Rehan Rahmatullah: Former lawmaker and freedom fighter Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman has been released from jail after serving one month and three days in custody, drawing renewed attention to allegations of mismanagement, passenger harassment and irregularities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman announced the party`s determination to continue its movement for people`s rights, particularly those of ordinary passengers and expatriate Bangladeshis, while speaking at a reception organised in honour of the former MP following his release.

The reception was held on Tuesday (November 3) at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition at 29 Minto Road in the capital.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman had been imprisoned for raising his voice against longstanding irregularities, poor management and harassment of passengers at the country`s main international airport.

"He committed no wrongdoing. He protested against the sufferings of passengers, particularly expatriates, who face various difficulties at the airport," the Jamaat Ameer said.

He alleged that despite the former lawmaker`s protest being peaceful, he was implicated in cases involving obstruction of government duties and assaulting a government official. He described the allegations as baseless and said attempts to silence voices of protest through cases and intimidation would not succeed.

Referring to improvements at the airport following Akhtaruzzaman`s protest, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said additional luggage trolleys had been introduced in two phases, cameras installed at baggage belts and body cameras provided to ground-handling personnel.

He said passengers were now receiving their luggage more quickly than before, demonstrating that the problems raised by the former MP were genuine and required attention.

The Jamaat chief also praised expatriate Bangladeshis for organising protests, rallies and demonstrations in different parts of the world, including demonstrations in front of Bangladesh missions, demanding justice for Akhtaruzzaman.

He said the struggle for people`s rights would continue until ordinary citizens and expatriates received their rightful treatment.

The opposition leader further criticised the government`s handling of dissent, saying that propaganda and attempts to malign opposition leaders would not resolve people`s problems. Instead, he urged the government to address public suffering and improve its performance.

At the reception, Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman recounted his experience in custody and said he had been arrested for speaking out in support of passengers, particularly expatriate Bangladeshis, who allegedly face harassment and mistreatment at the airport.

He said Allah had given him the courage to speak for the people, justice, truth and Islam.

Describing events surrounding his arrest, the former lawmaker said he had told law enforcement officials that they must show an arrest warrant in accordance with the law. He maintained that he had committed no offence and questioned the necessity of placing him on remand.

Akhtaruzzaman also raised concerns over the nature of his interrogation, alleging that his eyes had been blindfolded during questioning and that police had asked him various questions about Jamaat-e-Islami`s internal affairs, leadership and organisational activities.

Questioning the relevance of such inquiries, he said police could investigate specific criminal offences but should not use criminal investigations as a means of collecting information about the internal affairs of a political organisation.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the bail proceedings, saying that after being denied bail by a lower court, he was taken to the High Court, where bail was granted. However, the matter was subsequently taken to the chamber court.

Warning the government against what he described as questionable legal practices, Akhtaruzzaman said the people of Bangladesh would not accept a system in which the rule of law was undermined.

Addressing the Home Minister, he called for accountability and urged the authorities to ensure that law enforcement agencies operated within the framework of the law. He also appealed to the Prime Minister to review the activities of the Home Ministry to strengthen the rule of law.

The former MP said Jamaat had already initiated efforts to address the problems of expatriate Bangladeshis and was considering establishing a reception centre to provide them with necessary support and services.

He urged the party leadership to give special attention to expatriates` welfare, rights and access to services.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman thanked people at home and abroad for extending sympathy, support and solidarity during Akhtaruzzaman`s imprisonment and following his release. He particularly appreciated the role played by expatriate Bangladeshis in raising their voices over the issue.

In response, Akhtaruzzaman expressed gratitude to Jamaat-e-Islami and all those who stood beside him during his imprisonment and arranged the reception following his release.

Both leaders emphasised the need to protect citizens` rights, ensure better airport services, safeguard expatriate welfare and establish the rule of law.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman reiterated that the party would continue its struggle against injustice and for the rights of the people, expressing confidence that truth and justice would ultimately prevail.