US resolution calls Bangladesh to curb Jamaat

A resolution has been introduced at the United States’ House of Representatives against Jamaat-e-Islami, the group involved in war crimes during Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

US Congressman Jim Banks introduced the resolution on February 28, calling Bangladesh to curb the activities of Jamaat.

The resolution ‘Expressing concern about the threat posed to democracy and human rights by theocratic groups operating in South Asia’ also called upon Pakistan for the same.

READ MORE: BNP called to cut Jamaat ties

It expressed that the US should more actively engage with Bangladesh regarding shared interests in safeguarding human rights, religious freedom, and secular democracy in Bangladesh, while preventing the growth of religious extremism and militancy.

It “calls on the Governments of Bangladesh and Pakistan to deny, disrupt, and dismantle the ability of Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates to continue posing an immediate and ongoing threat to religious freedom and regional stability”.

It also called on all US agencies to halt all partnerships and funding arrangements with groups affiliated with Jamaat its domestic affiliates, including the Islamic Circle of North America, ICNA Relief, Helping Hand for Relief and Development, and the Muslim Ummah of North America.

The resolution identified Jamaat as a patroniser of terrorist and jihadi activities in South Asian region for quite some time now.