Latest news with #Jamaat-e-Islami
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
He sided with Pakistan in Bangladesh's liberation war. Why is ATM Azharul Islam then out of jail and receiving a hero's welcome?
He sided with Pakistan in Bangladesh's liberation war. Why is ATM Azharul Islam then out of jail and receiving a hero's welcome? Team TOI Plus May 30, 2025, 19:56 IST IST The acquittal of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam, accused of mass murder and rape in the 1971 war, once again highlights how terrorists and religious extremists are being granted leniency under the Yunus-led administration On May 28, hundreds of Jamaat-e-Islami workers and supporters gathered in Dhaka to welcome their leader, ATM Azharul Islam , following his release from prison. The Supreme Court of Bangladesh recently acquitted Azharul, 73, overturning the death sentence previously handed down by the country's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Sheikh Hasina Warns Bangladesh Becoming A 'Terrorist Haven'; Khaleda Zia Vows To Reclaim Democracy
Last Updated: Sheikh Hasina warned that the country is turning into 'a haven for terrorists.' Bangladesh's two most prominent political leaders took sharply opposing stands on the country's current state of governance during separate addresses. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a virtual address, voiced strong condemnation of what she described as a troubling trend of increasing extremism and judicial leniency toward convicted war criminals. Referring to the recent release of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam, a war criminal sentenced to death for atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War, Sheikh Hasina warned that the country is turning into 'a haven for terrorists." She remarked, 'War criminals are being freed, and those who fought for our independence are now being persecuted. Is this the Bangladesh we fought for?" While the Prime Minister's remarks underscored fears of rising militancy and historical revisionism, the opposition painted a different picture. At a commemorative event held in Dhaka's Ramna to mark the death anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia delivered a message focused on the decline of democracy in Bangladesh. 'The democracy and sovereignty for which Ziaur Rahman sacrificed his life are now facing constant obstacles at every step," she said, addressing party members and supporters. She called on the public to rally in support of democratic restoration. 'On the martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, let us pledge to restore democracy," Khaleda urged. She further expressed confidence that 'the people of Bangladesh will soon witness the restoration of democracy." First Published: May 30, 2025, 07:03 IST
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Yunus Talks Of "Elusive" Peace As Bangladesh Frees Man Who Killed Thousands
Tokyo: Bangladesh's interim chief Mohammad Yunus on Thursday said peace is becoming elusive in Asia and beyond, with wars and man-made conflicts destroying the lives and livelihoods of thousands. The Nobel laureate, who is in Tokyo on an official visit, said Asia must offer a "new moral compass" to the world that champions "peace over power, cooperation over competition, sustainability over short-term gain." Yunus's lecture on peace came days after Bangladesh's top court on Tuesday overturned a conviction against a key Islamist leader, who had been on death row since being sentenced under the Sheikh Hasina regime before she was ousted last year. Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam was accused of killing 1,256 people, abducting 17, and raping 13 women during Bangladesh's 1971 independence war from Pakistan. Jamaat-e-Islami had supported Islamabad during the war, a role that still sparks anger among many Bangladeshis today. Who Is Azharul Islam Sheikh Hasina-- whose 15-year-long autocratic rule as prime minister ended in August 2024 when a student-led revolt forced her to flee.-- banned Jamaat-e-Islami during her tenure and cracked down on its leaders. Islam was among six senior political leaders convicted during her tenure. Born in 1952 in Lohanipara village of Badarganj, Rangpur district, Islam served as the commander of the Al-Badr militia during Bangladesh's Liberation War. He supported the Pakistan Army in quelling the revolution. In 2014, he was convicted of orchestrating the 1971 Jharuarbeel massacre, when 1,256 civilians were brutally killed, and 13 women were raped in Bangladesh's Rangpur division. He had been in custody since 2012. Islam first appealed against his conviction in 2015, but the court upheld the verdict in 2019, and he filed a review petition in 2020. After Hasina, 77, fled from Bangladesh last year and her Awami League party was banned by the Yunus regime, Islam appealed his conviction again, filing an appeal on February 27. On Tuesday, the full bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, acquitted him. What Yunus Said In Japan Yunus, who is in Japan, addressed the inaugural session of 'Nikkei Forum: 30th Future of Asia' in Tokyo on Thursday, where he called for transforming Asia into a beacon of shared prosperity. He said that the world is getting increasingly turbulent, with peace becoming "elusive" due to man-made conflicts. "We are passing through a time of great uncertainty. We are witnessing a world where peace is fragile, tensions are growing, and cooperation is not always guaranteed," he said, according to Bangladeshi publication Prothom Alo. Yunus said wars are destroying the lives and livelihoods of thousands in Ukraine, Gaza, and in the countries in South and Southeast Asia. Without naming India and Pakistan, Yunus said, "Very recently, our two neighbours have fought a short but expensive war. Regrettably, we are spending billions in fighting wars, leaving millions of our people starving or struggling for basic needs." Interestingly, in his whole speech, Yunus failed to mention the civil unrest in Bangladesh that led to Hasina's ouster or the growing violence against minorities, especially Hindus, since then.
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Protests paralyze Bangladesh daily life
DHAKA: Protests have become part of daily life in Bangladesh's capital, with residents either taking part as political parties jostle for power after an uprising last year—or avoiding them. The South Asian nation of around 170 million people has been in political turmoil since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024, fleeing by helicopter as crowds stormed her palace. Hasina's 15-year-long authoritarian rule contained protests like a pressure cooker, until the student-led movement spearheaded a revolt that toppled her from power. On Wednesday, at least half a dozen demonstrations were held in the sprawling megacity of Dhaka, home to more than 20 million people. This was a typical day, with the demonstrations ranging from political rallies and counter-protests, to worker strikes and celebrations at the release of an Islamist leader from death row. 'I got released this morning after being imprisoned for 14 years,' ATM Azharul Islam said, waving at thousands of supporters of the country's main Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami. The tight-packed crowd cheered as the senior leader was released from a prison hospital in central Dhaka, a day after the Supreme Court overturned his death sentence and acquitted him of war crimes. 'There was no justice in the past... we expect the court will ensure that the people get justice in the coming days,' Islam said. Leftist parties say they will demonstrate in opposition to his release. Across Ramna Park in the neighborhood of Naya Paltan, thousands choked the streets as part of a rally in support of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP). Political parties are readying for hugely anticipated elections which the interim government has vowed will take place by June 2026 at the latest. 'Unpredictable' While tens of thousands gather at major intersections across Dhaka with their demands, others spend hours navigating their way through traffic-snarled streets. 'All the major roads are blocked during the day,' chicken seller Zakir Hossain said Wednesday. 'We've had to shift our schedules. I start work at midnight now, even though the law and order situation is worsening every day, and muggings have become common.' It worries many, remembering the violence last year when police tried—and failed—to crush the protests that toppled Hasina. 'The situation is unpredictable—the protests can turn violent at any moment,' said a 43-year-old housewife, asking not to be identified as her husband is a government employee. 'I never used to call my husband much, but now I do. If he is even a little late coming home from the office, all sorts of bad thoughts come to my mind.' Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner who is leading the caretaker government as its chief adviser until elections are held, has called for parties to build unity and calm intense political power struggles. The government warned on Saturday that 'unreasonable demands' and obstruction had been 'continuously obstructing' its work. 'A balance' Yunus has said polls could be held as early as December but that having them later would give the government more time for reform. Rallies organized by the powerful BNP are calling for the government to set an election date, as well as a raft of other demands, including the sacking of multiple members of Yunus's cabinet. In other protests, tax authority workers, angered at an overhaul of the body that would place it under the finance ministry's control, held a two-week partial strike. That escalated on Sunday when security forces surrounded the national tax headquarters, before the government later backtracked on its reform. Civil servants this week also demonstrated at the main government ministry complex to rally against orders changing employment rules—which the government then said it will reconsider. On the streets, the protests continue. 'Customers rarely come to the bank when they see the roads blocked,' said bank manager Muhammed Sazzad. While he supported the right to assemble, he suggested the government 'could designate a specific area for protests'. Rakib Hasan Anik, a lecturer at the Bangladesh University of Professionals, said that 'academic discipline is suffering', with students stuck in traffic and missing class. 'There needs to be a balance,' he said. 'We can only hope all sides reach a consensus that prioritizes the public.' - AFP
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
No Peace For Nobel Peace Winner: Army, BNP Tighten Screws On Yunus As Bangladesh Boils
Last Updated: Interim chief Yunus under siege as Islamist mobs target minorities, BNP demands his ouster and army signals disaffection over delayed polls. When students ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, forcing her to flee for New Delhi, the so-called student-led movement ushered in Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus as interim government adviser to steer the country towards elections, which critics argue were not freely or fairly held under Hasina's regime. However, Yunus has struggled to contain the jihadist takeover of the student-led movement against the quota system in government jobs. The interim administration failed to stop attacks by Islamists on Bengali Hindus, Christians, adivasis, and hill tribes. Last week, Yunus even threatened to resign after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Awami League's arch-rival, demanded his removal over delays in elections. The 'banker to the poor' has also failed to stop attacks on Awami League members and oversaw the banning of the outfit, paving the way for the Khaleda Zia-led BNP to return to power. The BNP is close to Pakistan, a nation that once ruled Bangladesh with an iron fist and committed ethnic cleansing during the 1971 liberation. Yunus convened meetings with key political factions, including the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami – which also has ties to Pakistan. Jamaat-e-Islami proposed two potential timelines for national elections: mid-February 2026 if necessary reforms are completed, or immediately after Ramadan if delays persist . The party also emphasized the importance of maintaining the army's reputation, cautioning against any actions that might politicize the military. This week, the Bangladesh Army had to 'dispel' rumours that there were rifts between the Yunus government and the armed forces. Brigadier General Nazim-Ud-Doul said the army is working 'harmoniously and in mutual understanding" and assured that there is 'no room for misinterpretation". to hold elections by the end of 2025. Army Chief General Wakar-Uz-Zaman has been vocal about the need for timely elections. However, a lack of clarity from the interim leadership on when polls might be held has fueled unease within the army ranks. Adding to the strain is a contentious proposal to create a corridor from Cox's Bazar to Myanmar's Rakhine state, aimed at facilitating aid and movement for Rohingya refugees, an idea that has drawn sharp concern over national security. Bangladesh Army officials strongly denied any intent to seize political power. 'We have no intention, no interest, and no information to suggest anything of that sort," said Col Md Shafiqul Islam, colonel staff of the Ministry of Defence. He called the proposed corridor a 'sensitive' issue and made it clear the military would not back any plan that threatens Bangladesh's security. But How Did Bangladesh Get Here? The ousting of Sheikh Hasina marked a significant turning point in Bangladesh's political landscape. The wave of protests and counter-protests in Bangladesh turned deadly, with at least 366 people reported killed since the unrest began, according to official tallies. Mobs ransacked offices of the ruling Awami League across several districts, targeting party leaders and supporters. Several Awami League members were lynched, and at least a dozen police officers lost their lives while trying to control the violence. Protesters also set fire to police stations and government buildings, triggering brutal crackdowns. During the peak of the unrest, angry mobs ransacked the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, a site dedicated to the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding father. Statues of Sheikh Mujib were defaced and several relics from the 1971 Liberation War were damaged or destroyed. The military intervened at the time and helped establish an interim government, but the transition period has been marred by widespread violence, particularly targeting minority communities. Reports indicate that from August 4 to August 20, over 2,000 incidents of violence against minorities, including attacks on 69 temples, occurred across the country. The Hindu community, which constitutes 8% of Bangladesh's population, has been disproportionately affected. In the wake of Hasina's resignation, numerous Hindu homes, businesses and places of worship were vandalized or destroyed. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported that more than 157 families had their homes and businesses attacked, looted or set on fire during this period. The recent surge in violence against minorities is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader pattern of religious intolerance and extremism in Bangladesh. Between 2013 and 2016, the country witnessed a series of brutal attacks by Islamist extremists targeting secular bloggers, academics, and religious minorities. In 2015, atheist blogger Avijit Roy was hacked to death in Dhaka and several other secular writers, human rights and LGBTQ activists faced similar fates. These attacks were often carried out by groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, who have close ties with Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islamic Chhatra Shibir. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : bangladesh Muhammad Yunus Sheikh Hasina First Published:
