US links with Jamaat 'deep concern': Farhad Mazhar

Poet, essayist, researcher and thinker Farhad Mazhar has said that policy-level engagement between the United States and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is a matter of deep concern for Bangladesh, warning that it should be seen as an ominous signal for the country’s future politics.

He noted that the United States maintains direct or indirect links with every political party in Bangladesh. He said many parties openly take anti-India positions, but are rarely vocal against American imperialism.

Farhad Mazhar made the remarks on Friday, January 23, during the question-and-answer session of a discussion organised by the ‘Gono Obbhutthan Surakkha Moncho’ at the National Press Club in the capital, focusing on the nationwide gas, electricity and safe water crisis and the role of civil society.

At the discussion, he also questioned the role of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in the context of Israeli aggression and what he described as genocide in Gaza.

Referring to a recent report published in international media, he said it mentioned Washington’s interest in building relations with Jamaat. The report also noted that diplomatic-level thinking was underway on how the United States would respond if Jamaat came to power in the future and imposed shariah-based policies or took decisions against US interests.

Commenting on this, Farhad Mazhar said it clearly indicates the existence of a policy-level understanding between the United States and Jamaat, which is why Washington is clarifying its position in advance.

He said Jamaat has not stated that it opposes the deployment of a stabilisation force in Gaza, suggesting alignment with the US position. “I see this as a terrifyingly ominous signal,” he added.

Describing the United States as a major geopolitical power, he said international law no longer survives as an effective force in reality, citing various actions of US President Donald Trump as evidence of the weakness of international law.

Farhad Mazhar reiterated that every political party in Bangladesh is connected to the United States in one way or another. He said many speak loudly against India, but remain largely silent against American imperialism.

On Indian influence, he said that while anti-India rhetoric is common in the country, there is little discussion about American imperialism, reflecting a form of double standard.

At the discussion, political analyst retired Major Ahmed Ferdous and poet and filmmaker Mohammad Romel also spoke.