Level Playing Field Must Be Ensured for Elections : A.T.M. Masum

Staff Correspondent :
Maulana A.T.M. Masum, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has said that ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property, as well as creating a level playing field, is essential for holding a free and peaceful national election. He made the remarks on Friday (12 December) while addressing a civic rally on citizens’ rights and development organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the Chittagong Road Truck Stand in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, where he was present as the chief guest. Maulana Masum further said, “Our beloved Prophet came during the era of ignorance, yet even then we never witnessed scenes of people being killed and others celebrating. The Awami government carried out brutal repression with sticks and poles. We were freed from that on 5 August 2024.”
Speaking on the election, he said, “We had already said that the Election Commission would announce the election schedule on 12 February, and that the referendum on the July certificate would also be held the same day. We emphasized that a level playing field is necessary. We welcomed the announcement of the election schedule. By declaring the election, you have thrown down a challenge—now you must face that challenge yourselves.” He added, “No man-made law can ever bring true peace to people’s lives. Peace can be ensured only through the implementation of Allah’s law on Allah’s earth.” The rally was presided over by Siddhirganj North Thana Ameer Mostafa Kamal.

Central Majlish-e-Shura member and Principal Dr. Md. Iqbal Hossain Bhuiyan addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of the area. “Faisal was martyred on this soil. This land is fertile,” he said. He outlined his proposed initiatives for education, healthcare, infrastructure,

and public welfare if elected. He also issued a direct message to political opponents: “Come, let’s compete—let the contest begin.” Special guest Maulana Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, Central Executive Committee member and Ameer of Narayanganj Metropolitan Jamaat, said, “How could someone open fire on Osman Hadi right under the nose of the administration? Those who tried to intimidate and obstruct us in the past— we have driven them away. So no one should even think of creating obstacles in the future. We will move forward to build a new Bangladesh, InshaAllah.”

Other special guests included Central Majlish-e-Shura member and Narayanganj District Ameer Muhammad Mominul Haque Sarkar. He said, “Allah has sent us with responsibilities. We must follow the religion He has given. Since true faith is absent in our society, we must uphold justice, forbid wrongdoing, and follow the teachings of the Prophet.” Also present were Central Majlish-e-Shura member and Narayanganj District Secretary Muhammad Hafizur Rahman, Narayanganj Metropolitan Assistant Secretary Muhammad Jamal Hossain, Narayanganj District Assistant Secretary Abu Saeed Munna, Metropolitan Majlish-e-Shura members Muhammad Zakir Hossain and Abul Kalam, along with other local leaders. Special guests stressed Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights, ensuring fair elections, and advancing local development. With overall support from Islami Chhatra Shibir and moderated by Saiful Islam Roni and Engr. Asaduzzaman Rakib, several local leaders—including Sonargaon North Thana Ameer Ishaq Mia, Jamaat leader Advocate Mainuddin Mia, and Siddhirganj South Thana Ameer Kafil Ahmed—delivered brief remarks. The rally saw a huge turnout of local residents.