Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government cannot proceed with the popular demand of declaring Jamaat-e-Islami illegal as decision on the matter is pending at the top court, reports state news agency BSS.
Her remarks came in response to a question from Tarikat Federation member Nazibul Bashar Maizbhandari during her question-answer session at the Parliament today.
Hasina said long as the verdict of the court is not announced no steps can be taken to declare the political party illegal.
“If we get the court verdict soon, then Jamaat, as a political party, will be illegal,” she said.
The prime minister said that the people of Bangladesh have rejected Jamaat and they have strong opinion against the party.
Although the party contested the last general election under BNP’s wing with ‘paddy sheaf’ they were rejected by the people of Bangladesh, she said.
War criminals acted as the collaborators of the Pakistan Army and committed heinous crimes like homicide, gutting houses and rape, she said.
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman brought the war criminals to justice after independence but, Ziaur Rahman suspended their trial following Bangabandhu’s brutal killing.
Ziaur Rahman gave them scope to take part in politics and excel in their franchises though abolishing the Article 12 of the constitution and partial amendment of the Article 38, she said.
The prime minister said discussion underway to bring back the fugitive convicts of Aug 21 grenade attack case, 10 truck arms ammunition case and other lawsuits related to subversive activities.