Jamaat expels leader of Hathazari unit following controversy over accusation that CU resides on his family's ancestral property

In a recent turn of events, a local leader of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has found himself in hot water due to controversial comments he made regarding Chittagong University.

Sirajul Islam, the ameer (chief) of the party's Hathazari upazila unit, made remarks that were inconsistent with the party's values, according to the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. His comments harmed the image of the party and sparked outrage within the CU community.

Sirajul referred to himself and the locals as "zamindars" (landlords) and stated they would not tolerate anyone interfering with them. He made these comments at a meeting organized by Jobra residents on 4 September, where he claimed that Chittagong University stands on ancestral land and they are the owners of the university and its surrounding areas.

These remarks quickly spread on social media, triggering widespread criticism from students. The later paragraph does not provide new facts, but it was the reason for his relief from duties by the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Chattogram North unit.

The decision to relieve Sirajul Islam was made in a press release signed by Fazlul Karim, publicity secretary of Jamaat's Chattogram North unit. The area around Chittagong University has a tradition of harmony and cordial relations between villagers and the university. The emergency meeting stressed that Chittagong University and Jobra village are not adversaries but complementary to each other.

It is important to note that there is no definitive evidence that Sirajul Islam played a significant political role in Bangladesh in September 2021 or was a prominent figure in the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at any point. This article aims to provide factual information about the recent events surrounding Sirajul Islam and his comments regarding Chittagong University.

The controversy surrounding Sirajul's remarks is not the first time the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has faced criticism. The party, one of the most well-known Islamist parties in Bangladesh, has a long and controversial history. It was founded in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War and has played a role in Bangladeshi politics since then, but has been significantly weakened and politically marginalised since the government of Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009.

Jamaat has urged law enforcement and the administration to remain vigilant to prevent further untoward incidents. The party also expressed sympathy towards teachers, students, and villagers who were injured or suffered property damage during recent clashes near CU.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial to maintain a clear and factual understanding of the events and the parties involved.

Jamaat expels leader of Hathazari unit following controversy over accusation that CU resides on his family's ancestral property