Akhtaruzzaman’s arrest politically motivated, alleges Jamaat leader

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has alleged that former lawmaker and freedom fighter Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman was arrested as part of a political vendetta, at the direction of policymakers of the ruling party.The airport incident was not the main reason behind his arrest. It was used as a pretext, Parwar said at an emergency press briefing at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar yesterday afternoon.He alleged that Akhtaruzzaman had become a target of the BNP’s anger and revenge after opposition leaders and activists, particularly those from Jamaat, joined his political camp.After the airport incident, discussions were held at important levels the following day. They had been waiting for an opportunity to take revenge on Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman. They got that opportunity and filed the case, he said.Bailable offence, yet bail deniedParwar said the section under which Akhtaruzzaman was arrested is bailable. However, he was not granted bail on the first day, and his bail plea was rejected yesterday after he was produced before the court following remand.He also claimed that Akhtaruzzaman, a 75-year-old freedom fighter who is reportedly unwell, is entitled to division facilities in prison.Despite a petition seeking division facilities, the court did not pass an order and instead said the matter would be dealt with under the prison rules. There is a politically motivated interference behind this, he alleged.Mob created at court premisesThe Jamaat leader further alleged that BNP lawyers created a mob and engaged in scuffles at the court yesterday, and that Jamaat activists and Akhtaruzzaman’s relatives were assaulted on the court premises.We are witnessing a repetition of what happened during the Awami League’s fascist era, he said.Parwar also claimed that Akhtaruzzaman’s arrest had triggered strong reactions across the country and among expatriate Bangladeshis.He said some expatriate remittance earners had threatened to launch another remittance shutdown if Akhtaruzzaman was not released.Questions over airport incidentParwar rejected the allegations made in the case statement that Akhtaruzzaman had assaulted or physically harassed anyone at the airport.Those who were present at the airport testified to what happened, and the incident is also visible in video footage, he said.Referring to the aviation minister’s statement that Akhtaruzzaman had physically assaulted someone, Parwar called the claim “not 100 percent, but 1,000 percent false” and said the minister should apologise to the nation.He also claimed that the airport’s executive director became emotional and apologised when questioned by MPs. Despite this, the same official was made the complainant in the case.The case was filed at the political direction of the higher authorities of the government, Parwar alleged.He also criticised the authorities for not taking action against the Civil Aviation Authority over the alleged mismanagement at the airport. Instead, he said, two officials were suspended after four members submitted written complaints in an attempt to manage the situation.Is Akhtaruzzaman a killer or robber?Parwar strongly criticised the decision to handcuff Akhtaruzzaman and make him wear a helmet and bulletproof vest while being taken to prison.According to prison rules, such measures are taken for hardened criminals, killers, robbers or prisoners who are considered likely to escape. Is Major Akhtaruzzaman a killer, robber or someone likely to flee? he asked. He is a first-class citizen, a freedom fighter and a former MP. We strongly condemn making him wear a helmet inside a prison van, he said.Jamaat demands immediate releaseParwar demanded an immediate investigation into the airport mismanagement and departmental action against Aviation Minister and other officials responsible for the incident.He also demanded the unconditional release of the 75-year-old freedom fighter and that he be granted division facilities in prison. He said Jamaat would seek bail in accordance with court procedures and would continue its legal battle without any compromise.Protest against gas price hikeParwar also criticised the government over the recent increase in gas prices. He alleged that the government had increased fuel, electricity and cylinder prices three times in six months. We strongly condemn and protest the decision. The government must immediately withdraw the gas price hike, he said. He further alleged that political syndicates and mega projects had been turned into sources of income.Jamaat Assistant Secretaries General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP and Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Executive Council member Mobarak Hossain, Dhaka North city Jamaat Amir Selim Uddin and North city Assistant Secretary Yasin Arafat, among others, were present at the briefing.