The appearance of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman at the Central Shaheed Minar early yesterday has sparked a debate across political and social circles, piquing interest around this “unprecedented” visit.

This had been the first time in 74 years, since the 1952 Language Movement, that a chief of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami had laid a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay tribute to the language martyrs.

Although other parties within the Jamaat alliance have marked the day in previous years through rallies and discussions, no Jamaat chief has publicly paid floral tribute at the monument.

Asked why Jamaat had not laid flowers before and what prompted the visit this year, Shafiqur cited “state protocol”.

“As part of state protocol, it is my responsibility,” he said. “As the leader of the opposition, I had to come with my colleagues, so I have.”

Currently serving as leader of the opposition in parliament, Shafiqur went to Shaheed Minar with members of the opposition alliance and paid tribute after the president, the prime minister and cabinet members. After placing wreaths, he offered a quick prayer and then spoke to reporters.

When asked whether the party still considers the act of paying tribute with floral wreaths “najayez” (religiously impermissible), Shafiqur reacted, “Why are you asking such a question on such a solemn day? It is better not to ask such questions.”

After paying tribute at the Shaheed Minar, Shafiqur visited Azimpur Graveyard with party colleagues and offered prayers at the graves of three language movement martyrs.