DHAKA : Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said Bangladeshi nationalism allows a pluralistic and diverse politics, seeking explanation from Jamaat-e-Islami to clear stance on establishing Sharia law to resolve ambiguity created in people’s mind.
“Do they (Jamaat) want to come to power by following the existing constitutional laws of the country, or are they doing politics with the promise of establishing Sharia law?” he questioned.
Swapon asked the question while speaking as the chief guest at a memorial meeting at National Press Club here this morning, marking the 17th death anniversary of former minister and national leader Late Sunil Gupta.
Referring to yesterday’s discussion in Parliament, the information minister said, “Yesterday too, our opposition party, the leaders of the 11-party alliance, especially the representatives of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, in Parliament spoke about the establishment of Sharia.”
However, he said, on January 14, in a meeting with a delegation of the Christian community at the Jamaat central office, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman assured them that they would not implement Sharia law if they come to power.
The information minister drew attention to the media to this end and went on saying “I do not want to make any comments. I just want to know through the media what their real position is? Are they trying to comply with the existing constitutional law or are they carrying out parliamentary activities by promising to establish Sharia law? Their clear position on this issue needs to be presented before the nation.”
Showing a comparative analysis of Jamaat’s past and present activities, said, “We have noticed since the birth of Jamaat-e-Islami that they have gradually brought about many changes. At the time of its birth, Maududi Saheb said an Islamic constitution should be created. That is why they also opposed the birth of Pakistan. Later, they accepted the state structure of Pakistan again.”
Swapon said some of the recent steps of Jamaat were positive, but he saw confusion in the current statement, saying, “The party has nominated two non-Muslim communities in this election, which is a good sign.”
He said a society that accepts diversity as an asset is a much more civilised and developed state.
Wise leaders like Sunil Gupta were able to become the founders of BNP because Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was able to present this pluralistic spirit within Bangladeshi nationalism, he said.
Stressing the need for religious values, the minister said the core essence and values of every religion are the same.
Religious practices and vales may be different, but it is the responsibility of the state and society to present the essence of those values in a unified manner, he said.
Babu Bijan Kanti Sarkar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, presided over the meeting organised by Sunil Gupta Memorial Sangsad.
Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam, and BNP Chairman’s adviser Nazmul Haque Nannu also spoke as special guests.
The speakers reminisced about former minister Sunil Gupta’s political life and works.
