Jamaat demands local polls ahead of nat’l election

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday challenged the Election Commission (EC) to prove its commitment to fair elections by holding local government polls before the national vote, framing it as a litmus test for the Commission’s credibility and capacity.

“There is now an Election Commission in place, which claims it will deliver the best election in the country’s history,” Rahman said while addressing a party conference in Mymensingh. “We want an acid test from them. Hold local elections first and let us see your sincerity and capability.”

He argued that the prolonged absence of elected representatives in local government bodies has left citizens without basic services and accountability. “Show your commitment and ability.

If people are satisfied with that, they’ll support you fully in the future. But if irregularities are found, people will show you a red card,” he warned.

Opposition to Women’s Affairs Report
The Jamaat chief also voiced strong opposition to certain recommendations recently submitted by the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, claiming that some proposals conflict with Islamic teachings.

“Those who made these recommendations do not represent the 95 million mothers of this country,” he said, calling on the Chief Adviser to reject the report upon his return to the country. Instead, he proposed the formation of an inclusive commission that reflects a broad spectrum of Bangladeshi society – comprising individuals from “all classes, professions, and ideologies.”
Warning against Political Favoritism
Reiterating his party’s position on neutrality, Rahman cautioned that Jamaat would not support any political maneuvering designed to favor a particular party or group, while expressing readiness to back initiatives that serve the public interest.

“If the past practices continue, what was the point of all the bloodshed and sacrifices? What will we say to the nation?” he asked, suggesting that Jamaat is prepared to mobilize once more to build a corruption-free, injustice-free, and tyranny-free Bangladesh.

Youth as Agents of Change
In a direct appeal to young people, Rahman called on the next generation to lead what he described as a necessary transformation of the country’s political culture.
“Youth have always brought about transformation – including the movements of July and August,” he said, referencing earlier political mobilizations. “You are tomorrow’s leaders, and we’ll work as your workers. We want to give you the opportunity to serve the country and its people.”
Allegations of Grand Corruption
Rahman also made sweeping allegations of financial misconduct against the former ruling Awami League and its allies, accusing them of siphoning Tk 28 trillion-an amount he claimed is four to five times the national budget.
He appealed to the European Union and other foreign representatives to assist in recovering the alleged embezzled funds and returning them to the national exchequer.