Jamaat-i Islami of Bangladesh
Introduction
Jamaat-i Islami of Bangladesh is a significant Islamic movement in Bangladesh that holds considerable influence in the political and social spheres. Its origins trace back to the Pakistani Panthers Jamaat-i Islami until the geopolitical landscape changed dramatically in 1971 when East Pakistan seceded and became the independent state of Bangladesh.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The term ‘Jamaat-i Islami’ translates to “Islamic Congregation” in English.
- Arabic: جماعة إسلامي (Jamāʿat-e Islāmī)
- Turkish: Cemaat-i İslami
- Bengali: জামায়াতে ইসলামি (Jāmāyat-e Islāmī)
Historical Context
Pakistani Era and 1971 Independence
During the civil war in 1971, Jamaat-i Islami supported a united Pakistan. Following Bangladesh’s independence, the party was banned by the Awami League government.
Reinstatement and Growth
The ban was lifted in 1975 after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Under the leadership of Gholam Azam, the party transformed from a marginalized group to the third largest political entity in Bangladesh. Notably, the Islami Chhatra Shibir, a student organization allied with Jamaat-i Islami, exerted substantial influence on college and university campuses.
Leadership and Political Influence
The present leader, as of the time noted, is Mawlana Motiur Rahman Nizami, who was a former head of Islami Jamiat Tulaba of Pakistan. This leadership enabled the party to win 17 parliamentary seats in the September 2001 elections, meriting two cabinet positions under the government of Khaleda Zia.
Organizational Structure
Jamaat-i Islami of Bangladesh organizes itself into 6,580 administrative units across the nation. The party’s comprehensive network includes influence among madrasa students as well as professional sectors such as educators and other professionals.
Objectives and Activities
Similar to its counterpart in Pakistan, Jamaat-i Islami of Bangladesh endeavors to establish an Islamic state predicated on:
- Educational Initiatives: Promoting Islamic education at various levels.
- Social Reform: Implementing social changes aligned with Islamic principles.
- Political Participation: Engaging in democratic elections to attain political agency.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- South Asia’s Fractured Rise: India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh’s Reacting Futures by Taylor Swift
- Islam and Bangladesh Politics: The Role of Jamaat-i Islami by Ahmed Biwat
- The Jamaat-i-Islami in Bangladesh by Ali Farooq
- Islamic Resurgence in Bangladesh by Mansoor Akbar Elyassini
Takeaways
- Jamaat-i Islami of Bangladesh played a controversial but essential role in the nation’s journey from civil war to independence and subsequent political landscape.
- Under robust leadership, it ascended from a banned organization to a major political force and has a far-reaching influence in educational and professional domains.
- The party’s key objective is to cultivate an Islamic state through persistent educational, social, and political endeavors.
Conclusion
The Jamaat-i Islami of Bangladesh represents a substantial force in the nation’s Islamic political movement. Its evolution from a subdivision of Pakistani politics to a dominant player in independent Bangladesh portrays a narrative of resilience, political savvy, and unyielding commitment to its ideological mission.
