Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a show-cause notice to its central working committee member and former lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury over his remarks on "controlling the administration".
The notice, signed by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, was issued yesterday and published today on the party's official Facebook page.
On Saturday evening, speaking at Jamaat's "Electoral Coordination Conference" at the GEC Convention Hall in Chattogram city, Shahjahan claimed that "bags of money and arms" would enter from a neighbouring country centring the upcoming national election.
Shahjahan, Jamaat's nominated candidate for Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara), also said at the event, "Elections cannot be held only with the people… We must bring everyone in the administration in our respective constituencies under our control. They must rise and sit at our command, make arrests at our command, and file cases at our command."
Jamaat's show-cause notice said, "Your remarks have been widely circulated on various media outlets and on social media. We have reviewed your comments, which clearly undermine the professionalism, neutrality, and fundamental spirit of the state administration. We believe the administration carries out its duties with full professionalism, leaving no scope for our interference."
The notice further said, "In the past as well, you [Shahjahan Chowdhury] have made such statements that undermine organisational dignity and violate party discipline. You have been cautioned and advised multiple times. Even the ameer of Jamaat summoned you, drew your attention to the matter, and warned you. Yet, no change is visible in your conduct."
It added that his remarks have drawn strong condemnation and concern from various levels of the administration. "There has also been direct reaction from the diplomatic community. At the same time, the comments have sparked negative reactions among our members at home and abroad, as well as among the general public. As a result, the organisation's image has already been severely damaged. This is contrary to the party constitution, principles, ideals, discipline, and responsible political behaviour."
Saying that the notice was being issued under instructions from the Jamaat ameer, the party asked Shahjahan to submit a written explanation within seven days.
"If a satisfactory response is not received within the stipulated time, further action will be taken in accordance with the party constitution and disciplinary rules," it said.