Assistant Secretary of Barguna Jamaat Dismissed

Shamim Ahsan, the Assistant Secretary of Barguna District’s branch of Jamaat-e-Islami, has been relieved of all his party responsibilities. In addition, his position as a party member (Rukon) has been suspended.

This decision was announced on Monday in an official statement signed by Maulana Mohibullah Harun, the Amir of Barguna District Jamaat-e-Islami.

The disciplinary action follows controversial remarks made by Ahsan during an election campaign in support of Jamaat’s candidate in the Barguna-2 constituency (Bamna–Patharghata–Betagi). On Saturday, he addressed a public rally in Katakhali, Patharghata, praising the role of Islami Chhatra Shibir in “transforming” Dhaka University. He reportedly stated:

“We see that after the Dhaka University elections, what was once a centre of drugs and immoral behaviour has been changed by Islami Chhatra Shibir. Jamaat-e-Islami is therefore capable of uprooting all forms of injustice, extortion, and corruption in Bangladesh.”

These comments quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and outrage across the country.

In the official notice relieving him of duty, the party stated that Ahsan’s remarks had deeply offended not only current and former students of Dhaka University but also people from various sectors nationwide. The statement added that his comments had damaged the reputation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and were contrary to the party’s principles and ideals. Consequently, the district working committee decided to suspend his Rukon membership and relieve him of all organisational responsibilities.

Confirming the matter to Prothom Alo, Maulana Mohibullah Harun emphasised that Ahsan’s statements were “inconsistent with the policies and values of Jamaat-e-Islami.”

Furthermore, a written complaint has been lodged against Ahsan with the District Returning Officer for violating electoral conduct regulations. The complaint was filed yesterday afternoon by Afroz, a resident of Badurtala village in Patharghata Upazila.

The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding public statements by political figures during election campaigns and the strict disciplinary measures parties may employ to safeguard their public image.