Jamaat is an ungrateful party: Mir Shahe Alam

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam has described Jamaat-e-Islami as an "ungrateful" party. He made these remarks at a cheque distribution ceremony among flood-affected families in Banskhali, Chattogram, at noon on Thursday, September 24.

Mir Shahe Alam said, "We are tired of watching this party's acting. Their sense of gratitude is very low. In 2001, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia made two Jamaat leaders ministers. Through this, an attempt was made to remove their Razakar label. But Jamaat has now forgotten all that."

He further said, "This government is the people's government, elected with a two-thirds majority. Yet before even six months have passed, they are now threatening to topple the government through a long march."

The state minister called on party leaders and activists to prepare from now, announcing that local government elections will be held in January next year. He said work must be done together with the people. BNP will support a single candidate in the upazila elections. If anyone opposes this or becomes a rebel candidate, organisational action will be taken against them.

Mir Shahe Alam also claimed that Awami League has old ties with the NCP and Jamaat. In his words, they may have contact with Awami League leaders staying in India, and old relations could be rekindled. He also commented that the ongoing movement in the country is helping the Awami League.

Criticising the 11-party alliance, the state minister said several parties in the alliance are entering the field to "play" against his party like a "football team" and are talking about toppling the government before even six months have passed. He also commented that BNP has more experience in movements than them.

Criticising the political statements of NCP leaders, Mir Shahe Alam said although they are younger in age, they do not maintain decorum in their political statements. He also criticised their statements about Tarique Rahman. However, he commented that they remain silent because party leaders and activists have been asked to be patient.

Noting that BNP does not give importance to threats from any side, he said those who "betrayed" BNP in the last election will no longer have a place in the party. Those who worked for the party in difficult times will get all legitimate opportunities, including contractors, he said.