Jamaat leader asks on Facebook: 'Do the ameers also take a cut?'

A local leader of Jamaat-e-Islami in Rowmari, Kurigram, has posted a provocative status on Facebook, asking: "Do the ameers also take a cut?" The post, which criticised party positions and 'share-based politics', has sparked discussion and criticism among local Jamaat leaders and activists.

The status was posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, August 9, by Shaimi Imran Hikim. He is the general secretary of the 'Abu Sayeed Unit' of Jamaat-e-Islami in Rowmari upazila.

In the status, Shaimi Imran Hikim wrote: "Do the ameers also take a cut? They get a good share. How much more of this share-based politics will we see? Anything is possible from deranged individuals."

Although no specific leader was named in the post, discussions began among local leaders and activists as to whether it was aimed at the upazila, district or central-level ameer. Later, in the comments section, several other leaders and activists expressed anger over irregularities, influence-peddling and 'sharing'.

Mahbub Alam, president of Jamaat's 'Abu Sayeed Unit', commented on the post, saying if an upazila ameer maintains 'liaison' with someone, encourages wrongdoing or tries to undermine the party's MP, then the need for such leadership comes into question.

He further wrote that they want an upazila ameer who will show 'zero tolerance' against injustice, coordinate with the MP to contribute to the area's development and value party workers. He also mentioned not being a 'partner in any leader's illegal earnings'.

Another activist, Mehedi Hasan Mithun, commented in the thread: "The 60%-40% eating and drinking is going quite well." His comments have also generated discussion among party leaders and activists.

When asked about the Facebook post, Rowmari upazila Jamaat Ameer Haider Ali said the status was directed at him. However, he claimed he is not involved in any kind of sharing or irregularities.

Meanwhile, the report also mentions that local Jamaat leader Shaimi Imran Hikim faces allegations of land grabbing. On the other hand, unit president Mahbub Alam also faces various allegations, including attacking lawyer Rayhan Kabir, coordinator of the State Reform Movement and counsel in the Abu Sayeed murder case, demanding extortion in the cattle auction process, and beating Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal leaders and activists.