Jamaat: Upcoming election must follow July Charter framework

NN Online:
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has welcomed the announcement of a February general election but stressed that the polls must be held in accordance with the principles outlined in the ‘July Charter’.

Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Amir, Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, made the remarks during a press conference held at Al Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on Wednesday, August 6. The briefing addressed the party’s official position on the July Declaration and the Chief Adviser’s recent speech to the nation.

While describing the February election timeline as a “positive step”, Taher criticised the lack of consultation with major political parties during the drafting of the July Declaration. “It would have been better if the government had discussed it with all key political stakeholders,” he said.

He also called for the July Declaration to be given a constitutional basis. “The Declaration must not remain symbolic—it should be embedded in the constitution,” he insisted.

Recalling Jamaat Amir’s earlier call for elections to be held before Ramadan, Taher said, “The Chief Adviser’s announcement aligns with our position. This is a positive development.”

On the issue of election format, Taher reiterated Jamaat’s support for a proportional representation (PR) system. “We believe the PR method is a milestone for fair elections. The old first-past-the-post model, in place for the last 54 years, no longer suits the country’s needs.”