DHAKA: BNP led 20-party alliance is allegedly being dominated by one of its major allies Jamaat-e-Islami.
This dependency on Jamaat has raised question why BNP, despite mounting national and international pressure, refuses to axe the alliance partner, stained with war crimes and extremism.
According to sources, at least seven of the 20 parties are only signboard-based and allegedly run by the funds directly or indirectly provided by Jamaat.
They said one of the alliance partners Bangladesh Labour Party (BLP) receives total of their costs from Jamaat. The party pays BLP’s office rent, staff salaries and other costs, including meetings, processions, banners, posters etc.
Recently, the party had been compelled to move its office from Purana Paltan after the house owner had learnt about their ties with Jamaat. Sources say the BLP chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran receives 100,000 Taka per month from Jamaat.
For this financial assistance, Iran strongly refuses any criticism of Jamaat or any suggestion to expel Jamaat from the alliance. One of the BLP joint general secretaries told banglanews24.com that his party should not be the only in receiving financial assistance.
According to him, many of the alliance members take monetary help from Jamaat.
Another alliance member, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), is now completely dependent on Jamaat. Almost all of its expenditures are provided by this anti-liberation party.
Due to the stigma of being a party led by convicted war criminals, Jamaat refrains from public programs such as meetings and seminars. In this situation, JAGPA chief Shafiul Alam Pradhan carries out the task of speaking on behalf of Jamaat. In return, he is being rewarded financially by the party.
While commenting to banglanews24.com, he said that if Jamaat wants to donate money to his party, he sees nothing objectionable.
Another alliance member National Awami Party (NAP) headed by Advocate Azharul Islam is also completely dependent on Jamaat, bears all costs of this signboard-based political party.
Sources said NAP party does not worry about its expenditures relating to office rent and accommodation in Dhaka, transportation, allowances etc.
The other party Islami Oikya Jote, headed by Advocate Abdur Rakib and Maulana Abdul Karim, is also similarly funded by Jamaat.
‘It is clear why BNP cannot expel Jamaat despite calls for leaving the party for the sake of national unity’, said an alliance leader on condition of anonymity.
However, several alliance leaders opined that for strategic reasons, BNP may choose to keep the party out of its activities for calling national unity against ongoing terrorism and militancy.
BDST: 1723 HRS, JUL 20, 2016
RR/SMS
