Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04DHAKA3141
2004-09-13 09:01:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Dhaka
Cable title:  

JAMMAT-ISLAMI BANGLADESH DENY INVOLVEMENT IN

Tags:  PTER PREL PGOV BG 
pdf how-to read a cable
P 130901Z SEP 04
FM AMEMBASSY DHAKA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5399
INFO AMEMBASSY COLOMBO 
AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 
AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 
AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 
AMEMBASSY RANGOON 
AMCONSUL CALCUTTA
C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 003141 


E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/03/2014
TAGS: PTER PREL PGOV BG
SUBJECT: JAMMAT-ISLAMI BANGLADESH DENY INVOLVEMENT IN
ATTACK ON SHEIKH HASINA

CLASSIFIED BY: AMBASSADOR HARRY K. THOMAS, REASONS 1.4 (B)(D)

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 003141


E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/03/2014
TAGS: PTER PREL PGOV BG
SUBJECT: JAMMAT-ISLAMI BANGLADESH DENY INVOLVEMENT IN
ATTACK ON SHEIKH HASINA

CLASSIFIED BY: AMBASSADOR HARRY K. THOMAS, REASONS 1.4 (B)(D)


1. (C) On September 12, Ambassador met with Jammat-Islami
Bangladesh (JMB) Assistant General Secretary Abdul Razzack
and advisor Shah Abdul Hannan. Both stressed that the JMB (a
partner in the ruling coalition) did not participate in the
August 21 attack on the opposition Awami League and argued
that the BDG was doing everything possible to solve the
crime. They said that while the JMB did not believe that
India was responsible for the attacks, they are concerned
that Indian leaders and journalists are making saber rattling
statements about pre-emptive strikes against Bangladesh in an
attempt to intimidate the government. Hannan alleged that
India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is conducting a
smear campaign aimed at linking the JMB to the attack in the
public's mind. India's goal aim is to destabilize the BDG and
bring Sheikh Hasina to power, they asserted.


2. (C) Ambassador responded that the USG welcomed assurances
that the JMB was not involved in this attack and said the
best way to silence critics is to solve the crime.
Ambassador added that the failure to solve the recent arms
hauls or bombings in Sylhet continue to give credence to
charges that the BDG is covering up crimes and that extremist
elements are involved. Ambassador then expressed USG concern
with the violent activities of the Shabir (JMB student wing)
and stressed that the Shabir has to participate in the
democratic process without violence. Hannan initially stated
that the Shabir is only responding to attacks against it by
the BNP and Awami League student wings but Razzack admitted
that the Shabir has sometimes been involved in "excess acts"
but that they have been told to halt all violent actions.
Razzack indicated that the JMB has counseled the Shabir to
halt violent activities against the minority Ahmadiyyas. He
then invited the Ambassador to have dinner with the Shabir
leaders.


3. (C) Comment: We are looking forward to taking the
Shabir's measure but remain concerned about its violent
predilections. The JMB, clearly stung by charges that it is
responsible for the August 21 attacks, is working to assure
the USG that it remains committed to democracy and
non-violence but many of its younger members appear to
support violent behavior and are opposed to western values.
We will keep a close watch.

THOMAS