The Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, has issued a carefully worded statement addressing the precipitous escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. While the opposition leader offered a stinging rebuke of the military incursions into Iranian territory, observers noted a conspicuous diplomatic omission: the failure to explicitly name the United States as a primary belligerent.
A Measured Denunciation of Aggression
In a formal communique released on Sunday, Dr Rahman expressed his “unambiguous condemnation” of any military action that violates national sovereignty, endangers civilian lives, or destabilises regional peace. His remarks come in the wake of joint US-Israeli strategic strikes against the Islamic Republic, which have brought the region to the threshold of a general war.
However, the Jamaat leader’s critique extended beyond the initial Western-led offensive. He also denounced Iran’s retaliatory drone and ballistic missile strikes against neighbouring Gulf states that host American military installations. Dr Rahman characterised Tehran’s response as “ineffective and escalatory,” asserting that such tit-for-tat violence must cease immediately to prevent further suffering of innocent populations.
Concerns Over “Targeted Assassinations”
A significant portion of the statement addressed the growing international trend of targeting high-ranking national figures and heads of state. While the Amir stopped short of a direct protest against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he expressed grave concern over the normalisation of such acts.
“The emerging trend of targeting national leaders in defiance of international law and established legal frameworks is deeply unsettling. Such actions set a perilous precedent, erode global norms, and threaten to plunge the world into a state of protracted chaos and lawlessness.”
Strategic Positions and Humanitarian Appeals
Despite attributing much of the regional instability to Israel, Dr Rahman maintained a neutral stance regarding Washington’s specific involvement. He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to the pathways of dialogue and diplomacy.
Table: Summary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Official Stance (1 March 2026)
| Issue | Jamaat-e-Islami Position | Key Rationale |
| Strikes on Iran | Condemned | Violation of sovereignty & peace. |
| Iranian Retaliation | Condemned | Termed “ineffective” & escalatory. |
| Role of the USA | Not Explicitly Named | Diplomatic ambiguity maintained. |
| Role of Israel | Deep Concern | Cited as a source of instability. |
| Targeted Killings | Opposed | Violation of global legal norms. |
Furthermore, the Amir issued an urgent plea to the Government of Bangladesh to prioritise the safety of its citizens residing in the Middle East. He called for a coordinated and comprehensive consular effort to provide protection and assistance to Bangladeshi expatriates caught in the crossfire of the burgeoning conflict.