Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday denounced the recent attack and harassment of party activists in the capital’s Mirpur area, asserting that mob tactics can no longer be used to shape public opinion.

He made the remarks while visiting party members injured in an attack at Ibn Sina Hospital in Kallyanpur on Wednesday.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that even if, for argument’s sake, any Jamaat activist had violated the electoral code of conduct, there are appropriate authorities to deal with such matters.

“They should inform the authorities, who will take action in accordance with the law and engage us in the process. We should be asked for clarification,” he added.

Condemning what he described as “dirty mob violence,” the Jamaat chief said he hoped such incidents would end immediately.

“People are now far more conscious. The days of influencing public opinion by creating mobs are over,” he said. “Everyone must go to the people with their arguments, party commitments and ideology. The public will decide whom to trust after considering the past and present.”

He also said Jamaat-e-Islami would extend all cooperation to ensure a free and fair election.

However, he urged authorities to take firm action against those involved in sabotage without showing leniency.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman further noted that whichever candidate or party is elected by the people’s votes, all political parties should accept the results and cooperate in the greater interest of the country.