Bangladesh elections: The resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami | Sreenivasan Jain & Shafiqur Rahman

Key Concepts

• Jamaat Islami: A political party in Bangladesh based on Islamic principles, historically a “third force” in Bangladeshi politics.
• Islamic Law (Sharia): The implementation of laws derived from the Quran and Sunnah, a central tenet of the Jamaat Islami’s ideology.
• 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: The war for independence from Pakistan, where the Jamaat Islami is accused of collaborating with the Pakistani army and committing war crimes.
• Secularism: The principle of separation of religion from state affairs, a core value challenged by the Jamaat Islami’s platform.
• Women’s Rights: The rights and equality of women, a point of contention given the Jamaat Islami’s proposals regarding working hours and leadership roles.
• Minority Rights: The protection and equal treatment of religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh, a concern given historical accusations against the Jamaat Islami.
• Paramilitary Forces: Armed forces composed of civilians or formed to assist a military, accused of atrocities during the 1971 war alongside the Pakistani army and Jamaat Islami.

Political Landscape and Upcoming Elections

The interview focuses on the Jamaat Islami’s prospects in the upcoming Bangladeshi parliamentary elections. Recent polling suggests the party could achieve its best-ever results. The interviewer questions Amir Shafi Rahman about the implications of a potential Jamaat victory, particularly concerning the party’s commitment to Islamic law. Rahman states the party will participate in the election under existing laws and respect the “will of the people,” but acknowledges that a party vice president, Mujibur Rahman, publicly advocated for the exclusive implementation of Islamic law and the rejection of “man-made ideas.” Rahman clarifies this by stating they promote values recognized by Islam, such as anti-corruption and transparency, and that any decision regarding Islamic law would be made by Parliament. He emphasizes that the party will act in accordance with the chief’s directives.

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

A significant portion of the interview centers on the Jamaat Islami’s stance on women’s rights. The interviewer challenges Rahman regarding a proposal to reduce working hours for women, citing Quranic principles related to childcare. Rahman clarifies that the proposal was not a mandate but an option for women who find it difficult to balance work and childcare, particularly during the lactating period. He argues it’s a matter of “respect” and acknowledges women’s right to choose, contrasting it with the existing six-month maternity leave. He dismisses protests against the proposal as the work of a “negligible section of society” with ideologies contradictory to theirs. The interviewer points out that over 50% of Bangladesh’s garment industry workforce are women who have fought for their rights, and expresses concern that the proposal could lead to employers being reluctant to hire women. Rahman counters that his visits to garment factories did not reveal such a trend.

The most contentious exchange revolves around women in leadership. When asked if a woman could become the head of the Jamaat Islami, Rahman unequivocally states “it’s not possible,” citing Allah’s creation of men and women with distinct roles, specifically referencing the inability of women to bear and breastfeed children. He defends this position despite Bangladesh having had women prime ministers for three decades, stating that this is a rare occurrence globally. He also downplayed the success of Khaleda Zia as Prime Minister, stating it was the BNP’s decision.

Historical Baggage and Allegations of War Crimes

The interview extensively addresses the Jamaat Islami’s controversial past, particularly its role during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The interviewer confronts Rahman with accusations of collaboration with the Pakistani army and involvement in war crimes, including the killing of intellectuals and rape of women. Rahman vehemently denies any direct involvement of the Jamaat Islami in atrocities, characterizing its decision at the time as a “political decision” motivated by a fear of Indian hegemony. He claims that no cases were filed against Jamaat members in East Pakistan during that period.

The interviewer cites reports from the International Commission of Jurists (1972) and The New York Times (1971) detailing the Jamaat’s alleged involvement with Pakistani paramilitaries. Rahman dismisses these reports as “false” and accuses the government of using the issue for propaganda. He points to the fact that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh, only prosecuted Pakistani nationals for war crimes. He also references a conditional apology he offered for any harm caused by the Jamaat since 1947, clarifying that he apologized for “faults” not “atrocities.” When pressed to apologize specifically for the 1971 atrocities, Rahman refused, stating he would only do so if the accusations were proven.

Relations with India and Minority Rights

The interview touches upon strained relations between Bangladesh and India, specifically regarding Bangladesh’s request for India to deport Sheikh Hasina. Rahman states that the Jamaat would pursue “fruitful dialogue” with India, emphasizing mutual respect and trust. He downplays the possibility of India refusing to extradite Hasina, stating they would continue dialogue. He also dismissed accusations of the Jamaat being pro-Pakistan, asserting their commitment to a just relationship with all nations.

Regarding minority rights, Rahman denies any involvement of the Jamaat in attacks on Hindus and other minorities, despite reports from Human Rights Watch and the United Nations. He claims these reports are politically motivated and that no cases have been successfully prosecuted against Jamaat members. He attributes attacks to other actors and asserts the Jamaat’s commitment to treating all faiths equally.

Condemnation of Violence and Internal Discipline

The interviewer questions Rahman about provocative statements made by Jamaat student leaders calling for the shutdown of media outlets and the crushing of cultural institutions. Rahman states that the Jamaat has condemned these statements and distanced itself from them. However, he claims the student organizations are not legally part of the Jamaat “umbrella” and that the party can only offer “opinion and suggestion,” not direct punishment. He defends this approach by stating that individuals can make mistakes and need correction.

Youth Support and Future Prospects

Rahman concludes by highlighting the Jamaat’s recent success in student union elections, attributing it to the party’s ability to address the aspirations of young people and protect the “prestige, dignity, and privacy” of girls. He believes this demonstrates a positive message from the youth of Bangladesh.

Notable Quotes

• Amir Shafi Rahman: “It’s not possible [for a woman to lead the Jamaat Islami]. It’s not possible because Allah made everyone in its own entity.”
• Amir Shafi Rahman: “If we commit atrocities then we will definitely seek pardon. But if not, if it is a garbage upon us, if it is we are the victim of this propaganda, why I should go to the do this?”
• Interviewer: “You're saying this in a country where you've had women prime ministers for the past three decades.”

Synthesis/Conclusion

The interview paints a picture of the Jamaat Islami as a party deeply rooted in its ideological convictions, yet attempting to navigate the complexities of modern Bangladeshi politics. While expressing a willingness to operate within the existing legal framework, the party’s core beliefs regarding Islamic law, gender roles, and its historical legacy remain deeply controversial. Rahman’s responses reveal a pattern of denial regarding past atrocities and a reluctance to fully embrace gender equality. The party’s future success hinges on its ability to reconcile these deeply held beliefs with the evolving values of a rapidly changing Bangladesh, particularly among its youth population. The interview underscores the potential challenges to Bangladesh’s secular identity and democratic principles should the Jamaat Islami gain significant political power.