While all organisational expenses of Jamaat-e-Islami come from party funds, in the last few years, financial pressure has mounted on the party. As a result, funds from Baitul Maal are being spent. It’s believed that the main benefactors from the party fund are full-timers.
In the last ten years, the number of full-timers has risen, marking an increase in expenditure.
But there are other causes too:
The party’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir’s president and secretary are barred from having any other employment and, therefore, are paid a regular salary by the party.
Then, from 2011, Jamaat is under pressure since cases against them have risen; many workers, activists are in jail; the party is supporting them with legal assistance and their families.
Thirdly, despite staying underground, many leaders and workers remain full-timers and are allotted allowances.
Also, failing to carry out normal business operations, many Jamaat supporters have become full-timers.
They have to be looked after by the party’s Baitul Maal division.
Fourthly, the party has to bear the cost of legal procedures to defend members accused of war crimes at the International War Crimes Tribunal.
The party fund also helps members who have been persecuted or those facing financial hardship; special help is provided during the two Eids.
Other expenses include hospitality costs which is high since top leaders have a penchant for gourmet dishes.
However, many Jamaat activists feel that expenditure has to be specific and streamlined, otherwise, there may be unpleasantness within the party in the future.
It’s discovered that in 2010, party top leader Rezaul Karim took Tk 200,000 from the party fund stating his desire to pursue a doctorate degree; though later, he used the money to buy shares of a coaching centre.
Karim was also accused of using party funds for his own marriage.
One worker informs that being a party member is a blessing since all necessary items for a person starting family life post matrimony are provided by others.
It’s also found that one organizational leader takes Tk 44,000 from the party as house rent.
In this regard, Jamaat’s central council member Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair told Bangla Tribune: “the amount to be given to a full timer is fixed by the organization as per demands.”

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