International Crimes Strategy Forum (ICSF) welcomes the newly elected government’s determination to continue with the justice process to account for crimes committed in 1971 and implementation of International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) verdicts. In this regard, ICSF calls upon the government to immediately declare Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, Islami Chatra Shibir and all their allied/affiliated outfits as terrorist organisations in accordance with law in light of their continued terrorist activities.

ICSF is deeply concerned about the nationwide organised terrorist acts that have been persistently and concertedly carried out by Jamaat-e-Islami, their student wing Islami Chatra Shibir and all their affiliates. Such violence caused unimaginable fear and horror disrupting normal life throughout the country. The extent of such terrorist acts have already resulted in – loss of numerous lives including that of children in many instances where the victims were burned alive; scores of injuries of ordinary citizens including that of law enforcement personnel in the line of duty; loss of livelihood of middle and low income groups; economic damage to the country which had otherwise been demonstrating potentials in all other economic indicators; destruction of government and private property including of the environment. We are particularly horrified about the targeted, widespread and systematic attacks specifically on members of the Hindu community in different parts of the country, perpetrated by the Jamaat-e-Islami and their affiliates find more information. This is no longer a law and order issue, but rapidly culminating into a grave human rights crisis which the government must immediately address as a matter of highest priority.

It is also apparent that these terrorist acts are primarily targeted to derail the ongoing justice process at the ICT and the execution of sentences. ICSF takes this opportunity to remind the government that Jamaat-e-Islami has already been declared by the ICT as a ‘criminal organisation’ in a number of its verdicts.

Following declaration of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chatra Shibir and all their affiliates as terrorist organisations, the government should proscribe all the activities of these organisations, seize their assets and funds, prevent all their propaganda, campaign, lobbying and other such operations. This should also be supplemented by constant and careful monitoring so that these terrorist entities cannot carry on or revive their terrorist activities in any other guise.

Established in 2009, ICSF is an independent coalition of activists and experts comprising 13 organisations that are committed to end impunity, establish rule of law and to ensure justice for international crimes.