Jamaat warns against ‘Awami-style’ polls
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leaders on Friday pressed for elections under a proportional representation (PR) system and warned against repeating “Awami-style” polls.
Speaking at a rally in front of Barishal City Corporation, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman said the Jatiyo Party and 14-party alliance would ultimately share the fate of the ousted “fascist regime” for collaborating in past elections.
“People were deprived of their rights before. The next election must be free and fair,” he said.
He highlighted Jamaat’s five-point demands: Holding the next election in February under the July National Charter.Introducing the PR system in both houses of parliament.
Ensuring a level playing field for all parties. Visible trial of killings, oppression, and corruption committed by the fallen regime.
Banning activities of the Jatiyo Party and 14-party alliance, labeled as autocratic collaborators.
“PR ensures the value of every vote. The people want it for a transparent election,” Mujibur stressed. The rally ended with a procession through key city streets.
In Chattogram, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan echoed the same call, warning that the people would not tolerate another “Awami-style” election.
Addressing a rally near Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque, he said polls must follow the July Charter and PR system after the trial of July Uprising killings.
He reminded the government of its earlier pledges. “The interim administration under Muhammad Yunus promised trials of fascists and collaborators, recovery of laundered money, and a proper election environment.
Yet some within the government are siding with a particular party and conspiring against the state. People will resist them as they resisted fascism,” Rafiqul declared.
He defended Jamaat’s street protests, saying, “Through movements the people ousted fascism. We will fulfill the aspirations of the July movement the same way.”
Calling for a referendum on PR, Rafiqul said, “Let the people decide. If they support PR, the government must accept it. If they reject it, we will too.”
Both rallies ended with processions that paraded through city streets before brief concluding gatherings.