Thirty-four lawmakers of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the principal opposition party in parliament, are currently touring at least five countries across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. They are accompanied by two central party leaders and family members, bringing the total group size to around 70 people.
Jamaat has described the visit as a "study tour," noting that while it is not an official party program, the party is fully aware of it.
According to available information, the group split into two and departed Dhaka for Malaysia on September 13 and 14. From Malaysia, they traveled to Singapore and subsequently moved to the Philippines. Their itinerary includes traveling from the Philippines to Saudi Arabia via Bahrain, with plans to return home on October 1 after performing Umrah.
Speaking to the press from the Philippines, Sheikh Manzurul Haque, Jamaat MP from Bagerhat-2, stated, "We are basically on a personal trip. Around 30 to 34 MPs are with us. It can be called a group tour." He added, "We will travel around and see different places here. If we meet anyone during our tour, we may talk and get acquainted. But this is not a party tour; it is a personal trip."
Mohammad Selim Uddin, a member of Jamaat’s Central Executive Council and ameer of its Dhaka North city unit, is also accompanying the delegation. On September 14, a press release issued by Md. Ataur Rahman Sarker, publicity and media secretary of Jamaat’s Dhaka North city unit and a member of its Central Majlis-e-Shura, detailed that Selim Uddin would visit Malaysia, the Philippines, and Turkey in phases before heading to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim reiterated that the trip is not an official party tour, stating, "This is not a party tour. However, the party is aware of the trip. It can be described as a study tour."
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Staff Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
