Jamaat is a 'political liability' in Bangladesh: Ashraf Kaiser

Journalist Ashraf Kaiser has sharply criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, describing the party as a "political liability" in Bangladesh and questioning whether its ideology truly reflects the principles of religion.

He made the remark during a recent talk show on a private television channel, Kaiser alleged that Jamaat's political agenda runs counter to Bangladesh's democratic and social progress.

He claimed the party seeks to steer the country in a regressive direction by promoting a religion-based state and a social order that, in his view, undermines women's rights.

Referring to Jamaat's historical roots, Kaiser said the party's political philosophy could be better understood by examining its origins in Pakistan and the views of its founding leadership.

He also questioned the party's religious legitimacy, arguing that public debate is needed over whether Jamaat's political ideology genuinely represents religious values.

Kaiser further accused the party of distorting Bangladesh's history and criticised the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for failing to present an alternative political narrative to counter what he described as the Awami League's long-standing discourse surrounding Jamaat.

According to him, the BNP had an opportunity to reshape public perception on the issue but did not effectively capitalise on it.