Making army controversial will threaten sovereignty

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said yesterday that embroiling the army in controversy would put the country's sovereignty at grave risk, adding that the Bangladesh Army has made dignified contributions to the country.

He made these remarks while addressing the central Majlis-e-Shura meeting of Jamaat-e-Islami at Al-Falah auditorium in the capital's Moghbazar.

"We don't want to see acts or steps that may drag our proud institution into controversy. Everyone should refrain from making any remarks about the army."

Shafiqur noted that Bangladesh was currently passing through a critical juncture and called on the interim government to convene an all-party meeting.

"Pushing the nation towards uncertainty through conflict and mudslinging is not acceptable in any way," he said, urging for unity to overcome the current situation.

The Jamaat ameer termed the current issues relating to the proposed humanitarian corridor and management of Chattogram port as "highly sensitive".

"No matter how complex the problem is, a satisfactory solution can be reached through discussion. That is why we have urged the interim government to call for an all-party meeting."

"From the beginning, we have been calling for a framework for reforms and a roadmap for the election. But these have yet to be presented before the people. We urge the government to swiftly share these roadmaps with the public to restore their confidence."

Regarding the national election, the Jamaat ameer said, "We accepted the timeline given by the chief adviser from the very beginning. Jamaat-e-Islami has always tried to extend its cooperation from the start."

He also urged other political parties and organisations to cooperate with the interim government.