Jamaat is not anti-India, wants good relations based on equality

Commenting that Jamaat-e-Islami is not anti-India, the party's Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said that this idea is baseless.

“This ideology has been spread intentionally targeting us, so that false interpretation and confusion about Jamaat's politics is created. We want to maintain good relations with all neighbouring countries, including India, on the basis of equal dignity and respect, he said in an interview with popular Indian daily Anandabazar published on Friday.

“Our international policy is friendship with all, enmity with none. We want India to respond in the same way, based on mutual trust and coexistence,” said the Jamaat leader.

In response to the question why Jamaat is seen as a hardline Islamic organization, Shafiqur Rahman said, “This is absolutely untrue. Jamaat is a modern, liberal and democratic party, whose foundation is Islamic ideology. We are an independent political party.”

In response to the question that a section of BNP is uncomfortable with Jamaat's hardline attitude, he said, “It is unclear what you mean by hardline attitude. I would like to reiterate strongly through your newspaper that Jamaat is a modern, liberal, democratic party - whose ideology is the principles of Islam. We always make political policies with practicality and moderation. BNP is a long-standing political partner; they are aware of our modern mindset.”

Responding to a question about the allegations of the country's minority Hindu community against the interim government of Bangladesh, the Jamaat leader said, "Jamaat-e-Islami has an outstanding relationship and understanding with the Hindu community of Bangladesh. Every citizen is seen as equal and all citizens of the state are respected on the basis of equal rights and dignity. Jamaat does not believe in the theory of minority or majority. We believe that dividing the country on the basis of religion is a crime. Jamaat has no history of violence against Hindus or any other community. Rather, Jamaat-e-Islami has also discussed various issues with Hindu leaders at different times.”