Madani criticises Jamaat, alleges bid to win Western support

Islamic speaker Rafiqul Islam Madani has criticised the current activities of Jamaat-e-Islami, alleging that the party is trying to gain Western support by adopting positions that challenge Islamist groups.

In a lengthy Facebook post on Friday, Madani urged Jamaat to avoid trying to please Western countries and maintain what he described as the dignity of the party built through the sacrifice of Allama Sayeedi.

He compared a female Jamaat figure with singer Momtaz, who was associated with the Awami League, alleging that both have similar approaches to political issues despite their different appearances and backgrounds.
Madani also criticised Jamaat for organising women's basketball at Dhaka University and having a female MP present awards at the event, saying the move had drawn widespread criticism.

He alleged that Jamaat believes the Awami League's political chapter is over and that the BNP is now in power, leaving the party confident about its prospects in the next election. According to him, the main challenge for Jamaat is gaining acceptance from Western countries.

Madani further claimed that Jamaat is trying to present itself as more secular and progressive than the Awami League and BNP to gain Western approval.

Addressing Jamaat-Shibir members, he said he had sympathy for the organisation because of the support he had received from its members during difficult times. However, he warned that he would strongly oppose the party if it continued what he described as attempts to please the West.

He ended by urging Jamaat not to further undermine the party associated with the legacy of Allama Sayeedi.

-AJM