MP's Petition Calls for Admission of Controversial Group Members
Liberal Member of Parliament Salma Zahid has quietly introduced a petition in the House of Commons that could have significant implications for Canada's immigration security protocols. The petition urges the federal government to admit members of Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamist political party, despite previous security concerns that have rendered some members inadmissible to Canada.
The petition argues that Jamaat-e-Islami has participated in democratic processes in Bangladesh and describes its members seeking asylum in Canada as law-abiding citizens who uphold democratic values. It calls for these individuals to receive fair and just treatment during immigration screening processes.
Dark History of Extremism and War Crimes
What the petition fails to acknowledge is Jamaat-e-Islami's extensive ties to Islamist extremism and historical atrocities. The organization's legacy includes:
- Being only the second political organization after Hitler's Nazi party to face an international tribunal for war crimes
- Active participation in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where its militias collaborated with Pakistani forces
- Involvement in killing hundreds of thousands of civilians and the systematic rape of 200,000-400,000 Bengali women
- Responsibility for the murder of intellectuals and one of the largest mass rape campaigns of the 20th century
Official estimates indicate that up to three million people were killed during the conflict, with Jamaat-e-Islami playing a significant role in the violence.
Ideological Roots and International Recognition
Jamaat-e-Islami traces its origins to 1941 British India, founded by Islamic cleric Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maududi. The movement was heavily inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood and shares striking ideological similarities, often being described as the Brotherhood's sub-continental cousin.
The organization has faced international scrutiny and restrictions. Russia remains the only country to ban the group entirely, while India has prohibited its operations specifically in the disputed Kashmir region. Although Bangladesh outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami in 2013, the ban was lifted following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.
Security experts argue that Canada must maintain rigorous screening processes for individuals associated with groups having demonstrated extremist ties. The petition's call for relaxed admission standards for Jamaat-e-Islami members represents a potential security risk that requires careful parliamentary consideration and public awareness.
