Senior journalist Masood Kamal has accused Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, of shedding their religious facade to reveal an underlying authoritarian streak in a scathing critique that has sent ripples through Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Kamal’s observations, delivered in a widely circulated video address, come amid heightened scrutiny of the Islamist party’s strategies ahead of national elections, underscoring the importance of veteran media voices in holding power aspirants accountable.
Kamal, known for his incisive commentary on national affairs, pointed to recent student union election victories by Chhatra Shibir at major universities like Dhaka, Jahangirnagar, Rajshahi, and Chittagong as a turning point. He argued that these successes have emboldened Jamaat leaders, leading to noticeable shifts in their rhetoric and behaviour.
“The arrogance is palpable,” Kamal said, noting that elected student representatives now exhibit a sense of entitlement that mirrors broader ambitions within the party.
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At the heart of Kamal’s analysis is Chittagong Jamaat leader Shahjahan Chowdhury, whose controversial statements have dominated discussions. Chowdhury, a parliamentary candidate, reportedly claimed that the current political opportunity “will not come again,” implying a once-in-a-lifetime chance to seize power.
More alarmingly, he advocated bringing the administration “under our control,” suggesting that officials should “rise and sit at our words, arrest and file cases on our command.” Kamal labeled this as “terrible” and “fascist,” drawing parallels to the autocratic tactics of the ousted Sheikh Hasina regime.
Kamal questioned whether Jamaat’s public image of piety and justice masks a deeper dictatorial intent. “Is the face we see of Jamaat the outer one? Inside, are they all Shahjahan Chowdhury?” he asked, challenging the party to address these revelations transparently.
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He also criticised Chowdhury’s claim that “Allah has decided to bring Jamaat to power,” calling it reckless and potentially faith-undermining. “How do you know Allah’s decision? If Jamaat fails, what will believers thinkโthat Allah’s will doesn’t hold?” Kamal warned, highlighting the risk of eroding public trust in religious rhetoric.
The journalist extended his advice to newly elected student leaders, urging restraint amid reports of threats to expel dissenting teachers. “Who are you to throw out a teacher? Votes have gone to your head,” he said, emphasising that true character emerges over time and masks eventually slip.
Jamaat has responded by distancing itself from Chowdhury’s remarks, labelling them personal, and announcing internal measures. Meanwhile, BNP has demanded his arrest, accusing Jamaat of plotting a “new fascism” that could undermine fair elections.
Kamal’s insights, rooted in decades of journalistic experience, serve as a timely reminder of the perils of unchecked ambition in politics. As Bangladesh navigates a fragile democratic transition, voices like his are crucial in exposing hypocrisies and fostering accountability.
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