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| Bangladesh |
| Jamaat plans movement against deals with India |
| 2010-01-20 |
| [Bangla Daily Star] Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday declared that they would launch a movement against the deals signed with India, the attempt to cancel Fifth Amendment of the constitution and proposed education policy. During a press conference at the party's headquarters Jamaat leaders said, "The Bangladesh-India joint communiqué is against the interest of people. It is a solid conspiracy to destroy the country's economy once and for all. This will make our country dependent and turn it into an open market for India." The Islamist political party accused that the government moved to scrap the Fifth Amendment of the constitution to restore secularism in the state principle instead of keeping faith in almighty Allah. It also criticised the government for imposing an education policy that goes against religion. Jamaat Ameer Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami alleged that a "secret security deal" was signed during the prime minister's visit to India. He demanded clarification on the matter from the government. He claimed that all the three agreements with India were signed preserving India's interest. He said, "We are left with no choice but to move against the government. We urge all political parties, Olama-Mashaek (Islamic leaders), professionals, intellectuals, students and workers to join us in waging a tough movement." On secret deal, Nizami said he came to know about it from a newspaper. "A secret deal has been sealed between the two governments and, therefore, it is not possible for others to know about it," said Nizami. On joint movement with the other components of BNP-led four-party alliance Nizami said, "Let us take the initiative. Then we will see with whom and how the alliance forms. But we will keep communication with the other components of the four-party alliance." On returning to the parliament, the Jamaat chief echoed BNP's stance saying that there is no such atmosphere in the parliament yet. The government has to create an environment first. Earlier, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at a press conference on Sunday brought the same allegation and urged people and political parties to wage a movement against the government. In his written statement, former industries minister Nizami said, "Allowing India to use our seaports will create security threat for the country. Indian army will intrude into Bangladesh in the name of securing transport of goods. This will put our independence and security at risk." "It is certain that India will use Chittagong and Mongla ports for military purposes if a conflict starts between India and China," he said. The Jamaat chief claimed that whatever had happened during the prime minister's tour went in India's favour and against Bangladesh. |
| Posted by:Fred |