DHAKA: Pushed into tight corners, Jamaat-e-Islami lashed out at government policies as its leaders said the ruling Awami League outshone an ‘autocratic’ regime by “repressing” opposition leaders and denying political right to protest.

“We could stage demonstration on streets even during the 9-year regime of the autocratic government (of general Ershad), but now the ruling government is not allowing us to take to street,” said Jamaat acting secretary-general ATM Azharul Islam at an indoor protest rally Saturday.

Dhaka city Jamaat-e-Islami organized the rally the city’s Al-Falah auditorium as part of the party’s countrywide demonstrations demanding the release of its top leaders, who are now facing trial at the war-crime tribunal.

“The incumbent government overshadowed the activities of the autocratic government and we are now to hold programmes indoors,” lamented Azharul Islam.

Jamaat assistant secretary-general Prof Mujibur Rahman also spoke at the rally with Jamaat Dhaka city unit’s assistant secretary Nurul Islam Bulbul in the chair.

Police arrested Dhaka city Jamaat-e-Islami chief Rafiqul Islam Khan on August 25 on a charge of torching cars the day before the BNP-enforced June 27 hartal.

Jamaat chief Motiur Rahman Nizami, Secretary-General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed and Nayeb-e-Ameer Delwar Hossain Sayedee were arrested on June 29 on charges of hurting religious sentiments of Muslims through their perceived blasphemous comments.

Later, party assistant secretaries-general Mohammad Kamaruzzaman and Abdul Quader Mollah were arrested from the High Court gate on July 13 in a murder-and-arson case filed with Pallabi thana by an injured freedom fighter in January 2008.

BDST 1522 HRS, AUG 28, 2010