Jamaat leader removed over ‘zamindar’ remarks about CU

The Chattogram North District unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has relieved Md. Sirajul Islam, the party’s Hatahazari Upazila Ameer, of his duties following controversial remarks in which he claimed ownership of Chittagong University land, referring to himself and his community as “zamindars.”

The decision was announced through a press release signed by Professor Fazlul Karim, the publicity secretary of the district unit, on Sunday around 5 p.m.

According to the statement, Sirajul Islam made an “unexpected” comment during a meeting, saying: “Chittagong University is established on our ancestral land. We are the zamindars, and we will not tolerate any interference with our property.”

The statement further clarified that this comment, which was widely circulated across social, print, and electronic media, does not represent the views of Jamaat-e-Islami.

“This is Sirajul Islam’s personal opinion. His remarks have upset the university community and are not aligned with the values of the organization,” the release stated.
“The statement has damaged the image of the party, and we express our sincere regret.”

The decision to relieve him from his position was made during an emergency meeting of the district executive committee, presided over by Chattogram North district Jamaat Ameer Md. Alauddin Sikder.

The statement also urged law enforcement and local administration to remain alert to ensure that the situation is not exploited to incite further unrest.

The controversial comments were made on September 4 during a community gathering in Jobra village, adjacent to Chittagong University. Sirajul Islam, who was also nominated by Jamaat for the Chattogram-5 (Hathazari) parliamentary seat, said during the meeting:

“Chittagong University is built on our ancestral property. We are the owners of the university and surrounding areas. As zamindars, we will not accept any interference.”

A video clip of the remarks went viral on social media, sparking outrage among students. In the early hours of September 5, students staged protests near the university’s Shaheed Minar, AF Rahman Hall, and Shaheed Farhad Hossain Hall.

Even Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat, issued a statement condemning the remarks made by Sirajul Islam.

Following the backlash, Sirajul Islam posted an apology on his Facebook page, saying: “My choice of words may have been inappropriate, but I had no ill intent. I have worked at Chittagong University for 16 years and have always cared deeply for the students. If anyone was hurt by my comments, I sincerely apologize and ask for forgiveness.”

The university authorities also responded officially. On Saturday, Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Mohammad Saiful Islam issued a letter to Sirajul Islam, seeking a written explanation within three days regarding his comments.

The letter cited the reported statement and asked him to clarify his position, especially in light of media coverage suggesting ownership claims over university land.

When asked whether Sirajul Islam would remain a parliamentary candidate for Jamaat, Professor Fazlul Karim stated:

“The final decision on his candidacy lies with the party’s central executive committee. We have taken all actions within our jurisdiction. We expect a decision from the central leadership soon.”