Jamaat faces growing scrutiny after political rise

A tough stance against corruption, uncompromising principles on morality, discipline and justice—these are values long 'associated' with the political identity of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. In recent times, these very values and ethics came under questions as some party leaders went rogue. 

Jamaat are now facing a new test. After emerging as the country's main opposition force by winning 68 general seats and nine reserved women's seats in the 13th parliamentary election, the party has found several of its elected representatives facing a series of allegations. Questions have been raised about the conduct of its lawmakers and local leaders in connection with government grants and relief distribution, nepotism, the use of political influence and personal behavior.

Having spent years criticizing irregularities and corruption by others from outside government, Jamaat is now being compelled to hold its own elected representatives to the same standards. In some cases, explanations have been offered; in others, personal assistants have been relieved of their duties; and in at least one instance, direct organizational action has been taken. Following its major political success, the party now faces a twofold challenge: fulfilling its responsibilities as the main opposition in Parliament while preserving its long-standing image as a party committed to political morality.

A series of controversies: Just months after the election, allegations have surfaced against several of the party's lawmakers and local leaders. The most widely discussed cases involve Ataur Rahman Bacchu, lawmaker for Narail-2, and Gazi Nazrul Islam, lawmaker for Satkhira-4.

Ataur Rahman Bacchu has faced allegations that two intallments of Tk 10,000 each from his discretionary fund were listed in the name of his daughter. Questions were also raised over the large number of beneficiaries from his own union and the area where his in-laws live. The lawmaker claimed that his personal assistant had prepared the list using his advance signature. He later relieved the assistant of his responsibilities.

Earlier, Md. Nurul Amin, lawmaker for Pirganj-6 in Rangpur, was accused of appointing relatives as project chairpersons under the TR, Kabikha and Kabita programs. Abul Kalam, lawmaker for Khulna-6, also faced allegations of favoring close associates in the distribution of funds from the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund.

After these allegations were reported in the media, the party's central leadership began monitoring the developments. To address the situation, Jamaat sent written instructions to all its lawmakers. The directive, signed by party Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, instructed them not to recommend or allocate government grants, relief or financial assistance to family members, relatives, in-laws, personal assistants, private secretaries or their relatives.

Party sources say that since becoming the main opposition force, the personal conduct of its elected representatives has become directly linked to the party's political image. The central leadership has therefore adopted a policy of investigating allegations and taking necessary action rather than ignoring them.

Beyond allegations involving grants and relief distribution, the biggest pressure on Jamaat has come from questions about its commitment to morality. The controversy surrounding Gazi Nazrul Islam, lawmaker for Satkhira-4, has been central to this issue.

The controversy began last July, when a video showing an intimate moment between him and a woman circulated on social media, triggering widespread discussion. Initially, some Jamaat activists claimed that the video had been generated using artificial intelligence. Gazi Nazrul later posted on social media that the woman in the video was his second wife, Mariam Khatun. He said he had married her on June 17 with the consent of his first wife.

The matter did not end there. The video's circulation sparked further debate and criticism. Amid the controversy, Jamaat announced that an organizational investigation by its Central Executive Council had found the allegation of moral misconduct against Gazi Nazrul to be substantiated. On July 22, the party expelled him. It also decided to inform the Election Commission and notify the relevant authorities so that necessary action could be taken.
The incident raised serious questions about Jamaat's long-standing image as a party committed to morality. Party leaders, however, insist that Jamaat has always taken a strict position on ethical issues and does not spare anyone found guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. Hafez Rashedul Islam, a former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir and lawmaker for Sherpur-1, said, “Jamaat does not spare anyone when it comes to crime and wrongdoing.”

Abdul Muntakim, lawmaker for Nilphamari-4, has also faced criticism over remarks he made in Parliament. During his budget speech, he described his father as a martyr in the Liberation War. However, information in his election affidavit subsequently came to light showing that both his parents were alive. He later apologized, saying the remark had been made mistakenly or inadvertently.

Mohammad Arman Uddin, personal assistant to Shahjahan Chowdhury, lawmaker for Chattogram-15, has also come under scrutiny amid various allegations, including attempts to exert local influence by using his position. Reports that he was locally known as “Arman MP” also drew attention. Mizanur Rahman, lawmaker for Chapainawabganj-2, faced criticism after demanding washing machines, microwave ovens and curtains for lawmakers' official residences.

Jamaat has had to take action not only over the conduct of its lawmakers but also over allegations of irregularities in the use of government benefits and allocations at the local level. Maulana Tajul Islam, president of Jamaat's Kotchandpur upazila unit in Jhenaidah, was accused of giving a bicycle allocated by the government to his own granddaughter instead of the intended beneficiary. The bicycle was later returned and handed over to the rightful recipient, while Tajul Islam was temporarily expelled from the party.

In Munshiganj, the party revoked the membership of two Rukons over allegations of moral misconduct and violations of party discipline. It also expelled four activists following an attack on journalists in the capital's Dhanmondi area.

Warnings and Strict Directives

The conduct and accountability of elected representatives have become major issues in Jamaat's internal discussions. At a recent Rukon conference, the party's Ameer warned activists and leaders that they must be especially careful if they present themselves as “white cloth”—a symbol of purity. He made it clear that there would be no leniency on questions of morality. While minor mistakes could be given room for correction, he warned that serious violations would result in tough organizational action.

A central party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Public expectations have risen considerably since we became the main opposition party. An incident that might be considered minor when involving another party can turn into a major controversy for us. We have been embarrassed by some incidents. Gazi Nazrul's case, in particular, has created a major image crisis for the party. But we are taking a tougher stance after learning from these experiences.”

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and Head of its Media Department Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer said the party had already issued strict central directives to prevent irregularities and controversies of any kind in the future.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad told Agamir Shomoy, “A party or an individual can make mistakes. But we have not simply ignored them. We have taken whatever action was necessary in each case. We did not even spare a member of Parliament.”

Every Move by Jamaat Under Public Scrutiny

Political analyst Dr. Ainul Islam said Jamaat had become a major parliamentary force for the first time, putting every move it makes under public scrutiny. Issues that previously attracted little attention are now turning into national controversies. To cope with this pressure, the party is being tested on its organizational discipline, political maturity and ability to make decisions swiftly.