‘Dhaka airport services improve after Jamaat leader Akhtaruzzaman’s protest’

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday said that baggage handling services had improved at the Dhaka airport following persistent and fearless protest by party veteran Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman, even during a brief stay in prison, against the alleged airport mismanagement.

Akhtaruzzaman remained firm on his stance even when he was put to jail and faced the threats of further "unjust" legal actions for speaking out against the alleged irregularities at the airport, Shafiqur said.

As shown by Akhtaruzzaman’s defiant stance for securing others’ rights, Jamaat’s fight would continue until all the legitimate and democratic rights of the people are restored, Shafiqur said while addressing a reception organised at his official residence on Tuesday marking Akhtaruzzaman’s release from prison.

"Our struggle will continue until people's rights are restored to their rightful owners, InshaAllah," Shafiqur said at the event.

He said their respected colleague Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman had returned among them after spending one month and three days in jail.

"Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to Almighty Allah. He committed no wrongdoing. And yet, he had to suffer imprisonment for protesting against longstanding irregularities, mismanagement and passenger harassment at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport," he said.

The Jamaat Ameer said Major Akhtaruzzaman had protested against passengers having to wait for long periods to collect their luggage, shortages of trolleys, theft of belongings from baggage and other mismanagement at the airport.

Although his language of protest was strong, he did not physically assault anyone. Yet, a case was filed against him on charges of obstructing government work and assaulting a government official, which the retired army officer described as entirely false. He stood firm against injustice rather than backing down, he added.

Shafiqur Rahman said some visible steps had been taken to address various problems at the airport following Akhtaruzzaman's protest. New trolleys had been added in two phases, cameras had been installed at baggage belts, and body cameras had been attached to ground-handling workers.

Passengers are now receiving their luggage faster than before, he said, adding that these changes proved the problems highlighted by Major Akhtaruzzaman were real. Ordinary passengers, particularly expatriate Bangladeshis, are now benefiting from the results of his protest.

He said people at home and expatriate Bangladeshis abroad had protested against Major Akhtaruzzaman's arrest through meetings, rallies and demonstrations, including demonstrations outside Bangladeshi embassies in different parts of the world.

"Attempts to silence those who speak up for the rights of ordinary passengers and expatriates are unacceptable," he said.

Referring to Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman's imprisonment, he said it was deeply regrettable that a case had been filed against a valiant freedom fighter, that he had been taken on remand and that he had been treated in a particular manner on the court premises.

He said neither intimidation nor lawsuits could silence a voice raised in protest.

"Our colleague has proved that we are not afraid of anyone's threats or intimidation. We fear only Almighty Allah," he said.

Addressing the government, he said there would be no benefit in conducting propaganda against the opposition instead of addressing criticism of failures and incompetence in various sectors.

He urged the government to stop trying to tarnish the opposition's image and take initiatives to alleviate people's suffering. If the government could solve people's problems, they themselves would support it, he said.

He warned that people would not accept attempts to suppress voices of dissent as had been done in the past.

He further said that many who stood beside others during good times were nowhere to be found during difficult times. The government, therefore, should not be misled by temporary support and praise but should focus on addressing people's genuine problems.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed sincere gratitude, on behalf of Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman and Jamaat-e-Islami, to everyone who had shown sympathy, support and love following his release.

He particularly acknowledged the role played by expatriate Bangladeshis and thanked them for their support.

He said they would stand beside the people at home and abroad in their struggle to establish their rights.

"Our struggle for truth and justice will continue. InshaAllah, truth will prevail," he said.

Speaking at the event, Jamaat-e-Islami leader, former lawmaker and valiant freedom fighter Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman said Almighty Allah had given him the courage to speak for the people, justice, truth and Islam.

He alleged that he had been arrested for protesting against mistreatment, mismanagement and harassment of expatriate Bangladeshis at the airport.

"But my question is, who has given the police the authority to collect information about and interrogate members of a political party over its internal affairs?" he said.

Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman said he had protested against the mistreatment, mismanagement and harassment of expatriate Bangladeshis at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He was subsequently arrested after a false case was filed against him and sent to jail without being granted bail, he said.

He said he had spoken to members of the law enforcement agencies before his arrest and clearly told them that they would have to show an arrest warrant in accordance with the law if they wanted to arrest him.

"I had committed no wrongdoing, and I would not accept anything outside the legal process," he said.

At one point, he was arrested and taken to the police station. He said he had no objection to being arrested but questioned why he had been taken on remand.

Recounting his experience during remand interrogation, he said his eyes had been blindfolded and he was asked various questions about Jamaat-e-Islami.

"Why should the police seek information about a political party's internal activities, leadership and organisational affairs? The laws of Bangladesh do not give the police such authority," he said.

He further said collecting information about the internal affairs of a political party was not the responsibility of the police.

Police could certainly investigate if a crime was committed and uncover evidence related to it. However, interrogation in the name of investigating a political party's organisational activities and internal affairs was unacceptable, he said, urging the relevant authorities to take note of the matter.

Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman said he had been taken to the High Court after failing to secure bail from the lower court. Even after being granted bail there, the matter was taken to the Chamber Court.

"The people will not accept it if the country's legal system is run in this manner," he said.

Addressing the Home Minister, he said the people of Bangladesh would not accept such a way of running the country.

He said they would continue their protests and movement to establish the rule of law in the country.

"I will appeal to the Prime Minister to review the role and activities of the Home Ministry if the rule of law is to be established in the country. He also needs to consider whether the Home Minister is properly discharging his responsibilities," he said.

Speaking about the rights and welfare of expatriate Bangladeshis, he said they had already begun working to address their problems.

His party was taking initiatives to ensure their rights and facilities, and it also planned to establish a reception centre for expatriates, he said, adding that they would play a more effective role in addressing expatriates' problems and safeguarding their rights and welfare in the future.

He also urged the Jamaat Ameer to give special attention to issues concerning expatriate Bangladeshis.

At the end of his speech, Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman expressed gratitude to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and all concerned for organising the reception following his release and standing beside him during his imprisonment.

He said he was sincerely grateful to everyone who had supported and assisted him in his struggle.