Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party Calls for Disclosure of Intelligence, Legal Action

Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party Secretary-General Maulana Musa Bin Izhar has called on the government to clarify its position on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s statement that the fallen autocratic regime and a section of the opposition are conspiring to destabilise the country.

In a statement on Thursday (October 22), he said the prime minister had referred to intelligence information available to the government regarding the alleged conspiracy. He had also claimed that intelligence information indicated that a particular political party was receiving funds from abroad.

As the matter concerns the country’s political stability and security, the government should clearly inform the public of its position and the steps it intends to take, he said.

Mr. Izhar said the prime minister’s reference to intelligence information on such a serious matter could naturally raise questions among the public. The government should clarify who the allegations were directed against, what information it possessed and what steps had been taken based on that information.

He added that serious allegations against any political party or individual should be verified through due process, followed by necessary legal action. At the same time, no individual or political party should be labelled guilty before the allegations are proven.

He also said the state and political parties had a responsibility to resist any attempt to rehabilitate the fallen autocratic regime or destabilise the democratic environment. However, the accuracy of information, transparency and adherence to due process must also be ensured when making statements on such important matters.

“If the government has specific evidence, legal action should be taken against those involved,” he said. If an investigation is ongoing, the public should also be informed of its progress in due course to strengthen public confidence.

Concluding his statement, Mr. Izhar said mutual trust, responsible statements and transparency were particularly important in the country’s current political situation. He expressed hope that the government would take necessary measures based on evidence, rise above political differences and treat opposition parties responsibly.