Jamaat Ameer urges govt to prove credibility with local polls

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday called upon the government to hold local government polls before the national election to demonstrate the Election Commission’s sincerity and capacity.

“There is now an Election Commission in place, which claims it will deliver the best election in the country’s history. We want to an acid test from them. Hold local elections first and let us see your sincerity and capability,” he said while addressing a party conference in Mymensingh.

He said people are suffering due to the absence of elected representatives in local government bodies. “So, hold the local polls first. Show your commitment and ability. If people are satisfied with that, they’ll support you fully in the future. But if irregularities are found, people will show you a red card.”

Referring to a recently submitted report on women's affairs reform commission, Dr Shafiqur criticised certain recommendations as being contrary to the Quran and Sunnah.

“Those who made these recommendations do not represent the 95 million mothers of this country. We will not allow them to take society in the wrong direction.”

He urged the Chief Adviser to reject the report upon his return to the country and called for the formation of an inclusive commission comprising people from all classes, professions, and ideologies.

Besides, he stressed that Jamaat would not tolerate any move to benefit a particular party or group but would support all efforts aimed at benefiting the public.

The Jamaat chief questioned, “If the past practices continue, what was the point of all the bloodshed and sacrifices? What will we say to the nation?”

He said they are prepared to fight once again, if necessary, to build a corruption-free, injustice-free, and tyranny-free Bangladesh.

Calling for a new political culture, he urged the youth to lead the change, saying, “Youth have always brought about transformation, including the movements of July and August.”

They took to the streets to protect your dreams and aspirations. Don’t rest until the rightful demands are met, he said, adding, “You are tomorrow’s leaders, and we’ll work as your workers. We want to give you the opportunity to serve the country and its people.”

Dr Shafiqur also alleged that the deposed Awami League, along with its allies and some government officials, had looted Tk 28 trillion from the country—four to five times the national budget.

He urged the European Union and other foreign representatives to help recover the stolen money and return it to the public fund.

“We want a Bangladesh where there is no discrimination based on political belief or religion. Everyone must enjoy equal rights,” he added.

He reiterated Jamaat’s vision of a humane, corruption-free, and just Bangladesh based on Islamic principles and the Holy Quran, where people of all faiths can practice their religions freely, reports UNB.

“Islam respects all religions. We are united in establishing humane governance—there is no division among us. Together, we will build the Bangladesh we envision.”