PM's allegation is worrying — if there is intelligence, why no action: Gazi Ataur

Islami Andolan Bangladesh secretary general Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman has called an allegation by the Prime Minister worrying. He said the specific information the Prime Minister gave at a rally in Rajshahi about collusion between the fallen autocratic regime and an opposition party is enough to create concern in the public mind.

He made the remarks in a statement sent to the media on Wednesday (21 October). The statement quoted part of the Prime Minister's rally speech.

At the rally, the Prime Minister had said he had clear intelligence that the autocrat who fled is supplying money from across the border. He alleged that a party which spreads confusion in the country and tried to sell tickets by lying to the public before the election has joined hands with that side — one is providing money, the other is trying to create unrest while sitting in the country.

In the statement, Gazi Ataur Rahman said the Prime Minister's remarks are very clear. After the state has such information, the responsibility does not end with merely speaking at a rally or calling on the public to stay alert; administrative action must be taken against them.

He said the nation does not want to see the return of the fallen autocracy in any way. That is why what action has been taken after the allegation is now the main question.

The Islami Andolan secretary general asked, as an anti-autocracy political party and as conscious citizens, they want to know what measures have been taken after the Prime Minister received specific intelligence, and why no legal action has been taken against them.

He said it can be assumed the fallen autocrat will want to return to the country. Two things were essential to prevent that return — ensuring the trial of those involved with the autocratic system, and creating institutional and constitutional barriers to prevent autocracy.

But, he alleged, this government has done neither. On top of that, no action is being taken even over reports of collusion with the autocratic regime to create chaos in the country, which worries the nation.

Gazi Ataur Rahman also said no protest has come from those against whom the allegation was made. That too raises questions. In his view, the accused should clarify their position.

Discussion has been under way in political circles since the Prime Minister's remarks at the Rajshahi rally. Various interpretations and reactions are emerging over which party or side the Prime Minister aimed the allegation at.

Islami Andolan's statement is one of those reactions, in which the party has demanded not just speeches from the government over the allegation, but visible legal and administrative steps.

It now remains to be seen whether the government takes any action based on the intelligence raised by the Prime Minister, and whether the accused sides issue any statement clarifying their position.