Jamaat pushes for local govt polls before April vote
NN Online:
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called for the next general election to be held by April next year, while urging the authorities to conduct local government elections beforehand.
Speaking at a “Meet the Press” event at a hotel in Dhaka’s Banani on Tuesday, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said holding local polls first would both reduce public suffering and demonstrate the transparency and neutrality of the Election Commission.
“If local government elections are held first, it will help ease people’s hardships and also serve as a test of the Election Commission’s fairness,” Shafiqur said, as the party clarified its stance following a recent court verdict clearing the way for Jamaat’s registration as a political party.
On electoral reforms, he stressed the need for effective implementation: “Fair elections are not possible without proper groundwork. While the government is working on five basic reforms, we have submitted 41 recommendations. At the very least, those five should be implemented.”
He also emphasized the importance of accountability and justice: “We are seeing the beginning of some judicial actions. That gives us a little hope. But one key element of the July Charter—its accompanying declaration—is still pending. The Consensus Commission is still working on it.”
Shafiqur also demanded an updated and accurate voter list ahead of the national polls. “Voter fraud must be eliminated, and all eligible citizens, including expatriates, must be included,” he said.
He was particularly vocal about the voting rights of overseas Bangladeshis. “We are not ready to compromise on this issue. Expatriates have civil rights too, and the Election Commission must ensure they can vote. It’s not difficult, but unfortunately, we’re not seeing any progress.”
Addressing the election timeline, Shafiqur acknowledged that various parties hold different views. While BNP has called for elections in December under a caretaker government, Jamaat has suggested a broader timeframe—between February and April.
“The Chief Adviser has given a December-to-June window. We believe the polls should be held before April, ideally by mid-February, before Ramadan. But going beyond April would be unwise due to deteriorating weather conditions,” he said.
However, Shafiqur noted that the final decision rests with the authorities: “We do not have the authority to set election dates. We can only express our views and make demands. The government will make the decision.”
Reiterating Jamaat’s readiness to participate in polls if a level playing field is ensured, he said, “Whether elections are held in February, April, or even December, if the environment is fair and inclusive, we are prepared to contest. The timing is not the main issue—it’s about ensuring fairness.”