What is Jamaat-e-Islami? ‘Pakistan-backed’ political party that brought down Sheikh Hasina govt in Bangladesh – Times of India

In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s political landscape has been overturned. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday and fled to India following widespread violent protests and civil unrest. Amid this turmoil, army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman announced the establishment of an interim government to guide the country through this period of instability.He also said that the military would take over maintaining law and order.Jamaat-e-IslamiThe Jamaat-e-Islami, founded in 1975, is one of the largest Islamist parties in Bangladesh. Historically allied with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), it was banned from participating in national elections in 2013. The Bangladesh government has since officially designated Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Chhatra Shibir, as terrorist organisations. The Jamaat-e-Ismali’s constitution violated the national constitution by opposing secularism, as per an Associated Press report. The government also accused the party of instigating violent protests, which resulted in the deaths of over 300 people and injuries to thousands more. These protests were triggered by a controversial quota system for government jobs.History and ideologyJamaat-e-Islami was founded by Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi, a figure associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, with the mission of establishing an Islamic state. The name translates to “congregation of Islam,” while its student wing, Chhatra Shibir, means “student camp.” The organization’s ideology promotes an Islamic conquest, aiming to bring the world under Islamic rule.Controversial actions by Jamaat-e-IslamiThe actions of the Islamist organisation Jamaat-e-Islami have been contentious since the liberation of Bangladesh. The country’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, banned the organisation due to its members’ involvement in forming auxiliary forces like Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and the Peace Committee. These groups were implicated in committing atrocities against Bengali freedom fighters, particularly targeting Hindus.Widespread presence globallyJamaat-e-Islami has established a widespread presence beyond Bangladesh. In Pakistan, it remains a major political force, despite its involvement in militant activities through its student wing, Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba. The organisation has connections with various militant groups, including Gaza-based Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Muslim brotherhood.Current scenario and govt crackdownAfter the ban, Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies have launched a crackdown on Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates. Authorities are targeting offices and publication houses associated with the group in an effort to dismantle its operations within the country. Despite these efforts, reports indicate that Jamaat activists are attempting to mobilise and stage protests in various regions.Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is taking decisive actions to curb the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, a group with a history of violence and extremism.