Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded that the opportunity for MPO-listed teachers to contest as candidates in local government elections be maintained.
A delegation from the party presented a 9-point proposal to the Election Commission (EC) during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday.
The meeting was held as part of the EC’s process to gather opinions from political parties on proposed amendments to existing laws and codes of conduct before sending them to the government.
The 9-point submission included seven demands previously raised on 30 June, supplemented by two new points regarding the eligibility of MPO teachers and the controversial appointment of an EC official.
Objection to disqualifying teachers
Following the meeting, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar briefed journalists at the Election Building, describing the EC’s decision to disqualify MPO-listed teachers as “discriminatory.”
He argued that such a move would infringe upon their constitutional rights, noting that these teachers are permitted to contest parliamentary elections and have a long history of participating in local polls.
The EC reportedly assured the delegation that the matter would be discussed internally.
The secretary general also raised concerns regarding the appointment of party leaders as administrators in city corporations, districts, upazilas, and municipalities under the current BNP government.
He asserted that these individuals should be declared ineligible for candidacy, as their positions could allow them to influence the vote in favour of their party.
Concerns over EC’s neutrality
The party strongly criticised the contractual appointment of former EC official Samsul Alam as additional secretary. Porwar claimed that Alam had previously worked on a BNP committee regarding the delimitation of constituencies for the 13th Parliament.
He argued that appointing such a politically affiliated individual to a constitutional body like the EC undermines its neutrality.
Jamaat also reiterated its demand to ban leaders and activists of the banned Awami League from participating in local government elections.
Porwar stated that since politics is a personal act and contesting an election is a political activity, those affiliated with the banned organisation should be prohibited from taking part.
Allegations of lack of independence
Expressing concerns over the EC’s independence, Porwar alleged that the commission is unable to function autonomously regarding election schedules and official appointments.
He noted that while the EC suggested local polls would occur by year-end, various government ministers have been announcing differing dates.
He also pointed to the rapid issuance of a gazette following a court verdict regarding the Chittagong-2 MP as evidence of the commission’s lack of independence.
In response to a query, Porwar clarified that the membership status of Satkhira-4 MP Gazi Nazrul Islam was not discussed during the meeting.
He mentioned that the party had already communicated with the Speaker and the EC regarding his expulsion, which is the highest organisational action the party can take, but noted that the final decision on his seat remains a constitutional matter for the Speaker and the EC.
The Jamaat delegation included Assistant Secretaries General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Advocate Ahsanul Mahbub Zubair (central publicity and media secretary), and Moazzem Hossain Helal, along with Central Working Committee members Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar and Advocate Shishir Mohammad Monir.
The EC was represented by the CEC, Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Anwarul Islam Sarkar, and Tahmida Ahmad, and EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmad.
