Staff Reporter:
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman announced on Thursday that he would voluntarily submit to arrest in protest against the continued imprisonment of the party’s leader, ATM Azharul Islam.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, he said that he would present himself at the court premises on 25 February for this purpose.
“ATM Azharul Islam, a victim of the brutal oppression of fascism, remains imprisoned. While all other national leaders have been released one by one, he continues to endure the heavy burden of life behind bars as a victim of discrimination and oppression,” Shafiqur Rahman said.
“It is absolutely impossible for me to remain free while he remains in jail. We have given the government enough time. In protest against this oppression and to demand the release of Mr ATM Azharul Islam, I will be present at the court premises on 25 February 2025 to be arrested myself,” he added.
“The Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Home Affairs should take the necessary steps to arrest me and send me to jail. You will find me in the right place at the right time,” the Jamaat ameer further stated.
Jamaat held a protest rally and procession at Purana Paltan intersection in the capital on Tuesday afternoon, demanding ATM Azharul Islam’s release.
Speaking as the chief guest at the rally, the Jamaat ameer urged the government not to ‘test its patience’.
