Staff Correspondent

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today on Friday the mindset of accepting opinion and criticism is crucial in a democratic society.

“In a democratic society, it is not essential to agree with every statement made by an individual or a party. Similarly, it is not fair to reject any criticism simply because one dislikes it,” he said while speaking as a distinguished panelist at a book launching ceremony at a city hotel here.

The book titled ‘Jamaat-e-Islami: Its History and Politics’ was written by Barrister Abdur Razzaq.

Noting that Barrister Abdur Razzaq's book is not merely a literary or research-oriented work to him, Asaduzzaman described it as a reflection of an individual’s life philosophy, thoughts, consciousness, and experience in viewing society.

The law minister said an Islamic governance structure is not imposed from above, but running a state based on Islamic values emerging from within the society is the right path to establishing an Islamic state system.

Speaking about the new generation, Asaduzzaman remarked that to move forward, society must adapt to change.
 
The July mass uprising brought to the forefront a generation's aspiration for change, he said.

Abdur Razzaq's book also reflects significant perspectives on change and political thoughts, he added.

Highlighting Abdur Razzaq's assessment of the 1971 Liberation War and the political context of that era, the law minister noted the importance of his stance and his statements addressed to the nation.

He observed that if this position been clearly articulated earlier, many questions surrounding the issue could have been resolved.

Regarding Barrister Abdur Razzaq's organisational role, Asaduzzaman said although he served as the Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, he carved out a distinct identity for himself through his actions, thoughts, philosophy, and ideals.

The respect he commanded in both social and international spheres transcended his organisational post, he said.

Noting that Abdur Razzaq encouraged international campaigns against fascism from a human rights perspective, Asaduzzaman said Razzaq viewed human rights issues as a platform to speak out against fascism.

Recalling personal and professional memories of Abdur Razzaq, the law minister said whenever he visited London, he would meet him for tea or speak with him over the phone.

Towards the end of his life, while in the hospital, Abdur Razzaq had expressed a wish to be buried on the soil of Bangladesh, he said.

Noting that this wish was fulfilled, the law minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Highlighting the significance of the book at the event, he stated that those involved in politics should read it.

Other panelists included Ali Riaz, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, USA; John Danilovich, President of the Washington D.C.-based 'Right to Freedom' and a former US diplomat; Dilara Chowdhury, former Professor of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University; and Kamal Ahmed, Consulting Editor of The Daily Star.