National Parliament opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said that almost all institutions in the country, along with the healthcare system, are in a devastated state.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of Jamaat-e-Islami’s nationwide public awareness week on dengue prevention, being observed from October 4 to 10. The programme was held at Madhubagh Playground in the capital on Sunday (October 4).

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “It is not only the healthcare system; practically all institutions in the country are now in ruins. Banks, insurance companies, corporations and the stock market are in a disastrous state. The law and order situation is also evident to everyone.”

He said various crimes are taking place in the capital at different times of the day and night despite the presence of adequate law enforcement personnel. “The situation in the capital, where the central government is based, gives an indication of the condition of the entire country. This is extremely concerning,” he said.

The Jamaat Ameer also referred to the recent arrest of Bir Muktijoddha and former lawmaker Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

He said, “Three days ago, Major Akhtaruzzaman, a brave freedom fighter from the 1971 Liberation War, a two-time former member of parliament and a retired army major, protested against the rampant corruption, injustice and wrongdoing at Dhaka airport. The people of the country know him.”

He questioned why Akhtaruzzaman had to wait for more than three hours to receive his luggage.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Akhtaruzzaman had made some remarks that many people might not like. “But what he protested against is 100 times true,” he said.

According to the Jamaat leader, Akhtaruzzaman spoke on behalf of passengers who had suffered at the airport. He also spoke for expatriate Bangladeshis who contribute to keeping the country’s economy moving.

He said Akhtaruzzaman had also protested on behalf of expatriates whose luggage is allegedly cut open and valuables stolen.

Referring to the case filed against Akhtaruzzaman, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the case had been filed hastily because he raised his voice against such wrongdoing and claimed that it was false.

The case reportedly accuses him of physically assaulting a person. “It is not 100 percent, but 1,000 percent false. He did not lay a hand on anyone,” Dr Shafiqur Rahman said.

He further claimed that although the court sought evidence supporting the allegations, none was presented.

“Lawyers asked who had been assaulted and where the evidence was. Although the entire airport is covered by CCTV cameras, it was told in court that there were no CCTV cameras in that area,” he said.

Condemning Akhtaruzzaman’s arrest, the Jamaat Ameer said, “A brave freedom fighter was handcuffed. He was made to wear a helmet to humiliate him, and his jacket was removed from his chest to insult him. We condemn this.”