Jamaat-e-Islami has welcomed the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election, saying the announcement has removed uncertainty surrounding the polls.
“Concerns had emerged about whether the election would take place following the July Uprising, but that doubt has now been cleared,” said the party’s Assistant Secretary General and central publicity wing chief Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair.
During a press briefing held at the party’s central office in Moghbazar on Thursday, Zubair said, “The party had wanted the referendum on July Charter implementation to be held before the parliamentary polls. But Jamaat has accepted the government’s decision.”
“The party is campaigning strongly for a ‘yes’ vote,” he stated, noting that Jamaat and seven other like-minded parties are giving the referendum the same importance as the parliamentary election.
He pointed out, “The Election Commission has a special responsibility after announcing the schedule. Ensuring a neutral administration is a key element of any free and fair election and said the party expects the EC to conduct the polls from a neutral position.”
Referring to elections held during the Awami League’s tenure, Zubair said the upcoming election must not resemble previous ones. He said voters must be able to cast their ballots without fear and that law enforcement agencies must intensify their activities to ensure security.
The Jamaat leader said people had been unable to vote in the past three elections and are eagerly waiting to exercise their franchise. He expressed hope that their aspiration would be fulfilled this time and said there would be no repeat of night-time voting.
