NN Online:
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Sunday urged the government to expedite state reforms and take immediate steps to hold a fair and inclusive national election.
“We must not waste time. A consensus on key reform issues is essential for political stability and credible elections,” Taher said during Jamaat’s second round of talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
An 11-member Jamaat delegation, led by Taher, joined the discussion chaired by Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz. The party reiterated its stance that the upcoming election should be free from violence and controversy, unlike the past three polls, which Taher blamed for the country’s current political turmoil.
He expressed concern over recent developments, suggesting possible conspiracies to destabilize the nation. “There are attempts to create unrest. The interim government must respond with firmness, and we will support any positive move in this regard,” he added.
Highlighting the lack of an election timeline, Taher urged swift consensus on reforms and warned that political uncertainty was deepening unrest. “The environment needed for a credible election is still missing,” he said, citing attacks on Jamaat offices and supporters, including an arson attack in Pabna’s Atghoria.
He called on the head of the Election System Reform Commission, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, to ensure mechanisms are in place to guarantee fair elections. “Whatever steps are needed—tough or flexible—must be taken,” he stressed.
Taher also criticized the Election Commission for inaction in certain situations and urged the government to ensure a level playing field by curbing threats and maintaining neutrality.
“The government must prove its commitment to holding an impartial election,” he said, noting signs of inefficiency and bias in the current setup.
Jamaat first met with the Commission on April 26, where they supported reforms like proportional representation, a bicameral parliament, and term limits for the Prime Minister.
Formed on February 15, 2025, the National Consensus Commission—led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus—has so far engaged over 30 political parties in talks to forge a unified path forward.
