Dhaka: Dainik Sangram is a unique name in the political history of Bangladesh. For 51 years, this newspaper has been working to establish truth, justice and people’s rights. Since independence, Sangram has continued its path despite various adversities, pressures and obstacles. In a special interview, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central vice-president and former member of parliament Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher highlighted Dainik Sangram’s contribution, current political situation, social and economic challenges, future plans and a message to the readers.

The interview was conducted by Shamsul Arefin, news editor of the Daily Sangram.

Dainik Sangram: Dainik Sangram has completed 51 years. How do you evaluate Dainik Sangram’s contribution?

Dr. Taher: Dainik Sangram is an important name in the history of journalism in Bangladesh. For 51 years, Sangram has worked to establish truth, justice and the rights of the people. Its stance in favor of Islamic values, democracy and public interest is especially co
mmendable. I think Sangram is a bright beacon on the path of truth and justice.

Sangram has never been swept away by the tide of yellow journalism. Rather, it has always remained fearless in its search for truth. Since independence, Sangram has remained deeply respectful of the country’s independence, sovereignty, and state integrity. It has become the voice of the people while maintaining the principles and professionalism of journalism.

Dainik Sangram: How would you describe the role of Jamaat-e-Islami in the current political context?

Dr. Taher: Jamaat-e-Islami has always stood by the people. We are working to restore democracy, protect justice and the rights of the people. In the current political context, our role is to unite the people, stand against injustice and oppression, and work to build a state based on good governance.

We believe that politics means the welfare of the people. Therefore, every step we take is in the interest of the people. We want an ideal and accountable governance system to
be established in Bangladesh. The people’s right to vote should be ensured. Democracy should be institutionalized.

Dainik Sangram: Do you think Bangladesh has now managed to emerge from the post-fascist political situation?

Dr. Taher: Bangladesh has not yet fully emerged from the post-fascist situation. The movement and sacrifice of the people have initiated change, but much more work needs to be done to institutionalize democracy.

We will not be able to reach the desired state unless good governance, accountability and public participation are ensured. Even today, we see freedom of expression being limited, freedom of the media being obstructed, and voting rights being taken away. These are proof that we have not yet fully emerged from the post-fascist situation.

Dainik Sangram: What is Jamaat’s vision to address these challenges – poverty, unemployment, education and moral decay?

Dr. Taher: We believe that to eliminate poverty and unemployment, we must build a production-oriented economy. Interest-free
loans should be provided to small and medium farmers. Production should be encouraged without increasing gas, electricity and water charges in industries.

Reforms should be brought in the education system so that the young generation is enriched with morality and skills. Interest-free educational loans should be provided to students based on merit and need. Opportunities should be provided to study in the best universities in the world. Major initiatives should be taken to expand women’s education.

To prevent moral degradation, Islamic values must be established in society. Moral education must be strengthened in the family, educational institutions, and society.

Dainik Sangram: What is your assessment of Bangladesh-India relations, especially in the context of border issues and economic cooperation?

Dr. Taher: Bangladesh-India relations should be built on the basis of mutual respect and equality. Killing Bangladeshis on the border, cutting river embankments, unilateral withdrawal of water – these behavio
rs should be stopped. Economic cooperation should also be based on fairness, so that Bangladesh is not harmed.

We want friendly neighborly relations, but there can be no compromise on protecting national interests. We are uncompromising on the issue of the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Daily Sangram: Media freedom is being repeatedly obstructed – in your view, what is the reason and solution for this?

Dr. Taher: The main reason for the obstruction of media freedom is political pressure and intolerance towards expression. The solution is to strengthen democratic culture, ensure the safety of journalists, and raise public awareness.

Democracy is not sustainable without an independent media. Therefore, the media must be given the opportunity to work independently. Attacks on journalists must stop. Freedom of expression must be ensured.

Dainik Sangram: What do you want the future Bangladesh to look like?

Dr. Taher: The main goal of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in building the future of Bangladesh is
to form a model state based on justice, humanity and exploitation. Jamaat does not only want to change power, but also to ensure the security of life, property and honor of every citizen. Their plan includes developing a skilled and ethical workforce, creating respectable employment instead of unemployment benefits, and establishing an independent and impartial judiciary.

Islamic values will be the foundation of building a modern and non-discriminatory society. Jamaat is uncompromising in protecting the rights and security of women in particular. He strongly condemned the ongoing attacks on women activists at a recent press conference and said that it is not possible to establish true democracy by silencing the honor and voice of women. Jamaat’s future Bangladesh will be a corruption-free, self-reliant and safe place with equal rights for people of every religion. He believes that a new and prosperous Bangladesh can be built only through the trust of the people and moral leadership.

We will give importance
to education, health, employment and social security. We want a developed and self-respecting Bangladesh to be built. Where there will be a zero tolerance policy against corruption. There will be business-friendly policies. There will be skill development programs for the youth. A knowledge-based economy will be built by developing the ICT sector.

Dainik Sangram: What is your message to the readers and well-wishers of Dainik Sangram?

Dr. Taher: I urge readers to stand by truth and justice and support independent journalism. Dainik Sangram has been working as the voice of the people for 51 years. Your cooperation is essential for it to remain courageous in expressing the truth in the future as well. In this interview, Dr. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher has made it clear that Jamaat-e-Islami is working for the rights of the people, democracy and justice. He said that Islamic values are the solution to combat poverty, unemployment, education and moral degradation. Bangladesh-India relations must be built on the
basis of mutual respect and equality. Freedom of the media must be ensured. He also said that the future Bangladesh will be a state based on Islamic values, where justice, good governance and the rights of the people will be ensured. On the 51st anniversary of Dainik Sangram, he urged readers to stand by truth and justice.