Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has submitted 18-point recommendations to the Election Commission (EC) aimed at ensuring a free, fair, and credible upcoming national election.
As part of the proposals, the party has suggested holding a nationwide referendum in November, ahead of the general election.
A seven-member Jamaat delegation, led by Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, met with the Chief Election Commissioner at the EC office in Agargaon of the capital on Tuesday afternoon.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Porwar emphasised the importance of the referendum being held before the elections, saying, “Among the 18 recommendations, the referendum must take place prior to the national election. The national charter being prepared will change the existing state structures outlined in the July National Charter, and the people need to be informed about the reforms on which we have reached a consensus. Only after being informed, people can cast ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote. If the referendum is held on the same day as the election, voters will not have the chance to understand these changes.”
Porwar added that the EC should make the reforms and contents of the national charter publicly available, including on its website, so that the public is informed and voters can decide independently. He stressed that November is the appropriate time for this process.
Addressing concerns about possible election-day violence, Parwar said, “If voting is conducted on the same day, violence could erupt at polling centres, and some centres may have to suspend voting. If voting is disrupted, what would happen to the referendum? The EC listened patiently and appeared convinced of our argument.”
He described the discussion with the EC as open, cordial, and constructive, stating, “We told the EC that we are always ready to cooperate fully. We will continue to do so, but it is essential that the election is conducted fairly.”
Regarding the BNP’s objections to the decision to allow each party to contest under its own symbol despite being in an alliance, the Jamaat leader said, “The amendment was approved by the Advisory Council. However, around the 25th, one party objected and requested further changes, which violated the level playing field. A gentleman’s agreement was reached between one of our leaders and an adviser on this matter, but it cannot override the approved amendments. The election must follow the amended provisions.”
On questions regarding the BNP’s claims about appointments in Islamic Bank and other institutions, Jamaat described such objections as “a bad tradition” and said they were inappropriate, noting that top BNP leaders run banks, institutions, and hospitals, and Jamaat could provide similar lists.
Assistant Secretary General ATM Masum, Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan, HM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Media Secretary Matiur Rahman Akand, Dhaka South Ameer and Executive Council Member Nurul Islam, and Dhaka North Ameer and Executive Council Member Mohammad Selim, were other members of the Jamaat delegation who attended the meeting.
