Jamaat Rejects Islami Andolan’s Claims of ‘Ideological Deviation’

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has dismissed allegations of deviating from Islamic principles, calling recent remarks by an Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) leader "unfounded and misleading."

In a statement issued today, Advocate Zubair, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and media chief, responded to claims made by IAB spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman. Earlier in the day, Rahman alleged that Jamaat had abandoned its core goal of establishing Shariah law to appease secular and international powers.

"Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is an Islamic organization governed by the ideals of Allah and His Messenger [PBUH]," Zubair stated. "Such unfounded remarks are intended only to create public confusion."

The friction follows IAB’s exit from the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance. During a press briefing today, Gazi Ataur Rahman claimed Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman recently signaled that the party would govern under existing laws rather than Islamic law if it came to power.

Rahman also cited concerns over Jamaat’s outreach to the Christian community, where the Ameer reportedly reassured representatives that Shariah would not be imposed. "If the primary Islamic force moves away from Islamic ideals for political gain, the dreams of millions of activists will remain unfulfilled," Rahman had said.

Responding to allegations of "political compromise," Zubair emphasized that Jamaat maintains strict political decorum. He stated that the party engages with all political entities based on mutual respect and does not deviate from established "political etiquette."

Advocate Zubair urged the IAB leadership to exercise restraint and refrain from making statements that could mislead the electorate or damage the solidarity of Islamic political forces.