Farhad Mazhar advises Jamaat to ‘change name’, revive its post-'75 IDL identity

Farhad Mazhar has urged Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to “change” its name out of respect for the spirit of the Liberation War and revive its post-1975 identity as the Islamic Democratic League (IDL).

Speaking at the Chattogram Press Club on Saturday, the columnist and thinker wished success for Jamaat’s national rally held the same day and advised the party to “reconsider” its political strategy.

“Dissolving the Islamic Democratic League to re-emerge in politics under the Jamaat-e-Islami banner shows a lack of political foresight,” he said.

Jamaat returned to politics under the IDL alliance following the 1975 regime change in Bangladesh.

After the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the then president ASM Sayem lifted the ban on religion-based politics by repealing Article 38 of the Constitution.

On Aug 24 that year, several religion-based parties, led primarily by Jamaat, formed the IDL.

Jamaat resumed activities under its current name after a national conference at Dhaka’s Eden Hotel compound in the last week of May 1979, where it adopted a new constitution.

The party formally started operating as “Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh” from May 27.

At Saturday’s discussion, Farhad recommended the party return to its earlier political identity through the IDL.

He also spoke on issues relating to Chattogram Port, the Constitution, and “fascism”.

“Chattogram is the economic heart of the country, housing vital military and commercial infrastructure. Any damage to the city spells deep trouble for the nation,” he said.

Farhad stressed the need to present Chattogram’s “political and spiritual strength” to the world.

He called for autonomy and de-politicisation of Chattogram Port. “To eliminate corruption from the port, customs must be separated from it. Customs officials hold back goods for days to facilitate bribery.

“We must ensure the port is not used to serve foreign interests.”

Farhad praised Chattogram’s communal harmony.

“Chattogram is a unique example of interfaith peace, he said. “In areas like Hathazari, mosques and temples stand side by side, with communities coexisting in harmony for generations. It is vital to preserve this heritage.”

He cautioned against stereotyping. “Let no one wearing a beard, cap or panjabi be labelled a militant again. Nor should anyone in saffron robes be called a foreign agent.”

Calling on journalists to play a role in fighting all forms of fascism, Farhad said: “Fascism comes in many forms -- the fascism of secularism, the fascism of fanaticism -- all must be confronted.

“At the same time, we must protect democracy from fascist encroachment and establish a people-oriented constitution.”

He stressed the difference between a Constitution and polity.

“A Constitution is a legal framework; polity is the core philosophy of governance. Dr Kamal Hossain’s elevation of the Constitution as the central state ideology has caused confusion for the nation.”