Jamaat Ameer Rejects ‘Negotiated’ or Pre-Set Election

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said his party does not want elections resembling those held in the past, stressing that any form of “negotiated” or pre-arranged polls would be unacceptable.

“We do not want any negotiated or pre-set election,” he said on Monday night while addressing an exchange-of-views meeting with retired armed forces officers at the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka.

At the event, Dr Shafiqur Rahman praised the role of the armed forces during what he described as the turbulent days of 2024, saying their actions helped prevent the country from sliding into civil war. “Because of the responsible role played by the army during those complex days, it is our belief that the nation was saved from civil war,” he said.

Referring to developments on August 3, 4 and 5, he added that without the stance taken at that time, he might not have been able to stand in Bangladesh and speak freely today.

The Jamaat Ameer also said his party has never claimed sole credit for the recent political change. He rejected the idea of identifying any single individual as the “mastermind” of what he described as a revolution or mass uprising. “If one person is portrayed as the mastermind, everyone else is undermined. We do not accept that,” he said, adding that the collective people of Bangladesh were the true driving force behind the movement.

Reflecting on history, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the people of East Pakistan were subjected to long-standing injustice by West Pakistan. He described the 1970 election as a silent protest against discrimination, which eventually led to the Liberation War and, after immense sacrifice, the birth of Bangladesh.

Turning to the future, he expressed confidence in the electorate, saying the upcoming election must ensure good governance through a fair and neutral process. “We have complete trust in the people of the country. The mothers and sisters of this nation will also make their choice freely,” he said.

Emphasising his party’s commitment to democratic norms, he said Jamaat-e-Islami would cooperate even if voters chose another party through a credible election. “If the people choose a different party in a fair election, we will stand with them,” he said, adding that Jamaat would support efforts against corruption, uphold judicial independence and push for necessary reforms.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks a day after meeting the chief observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission and Member of the European Parliament, Evariste L. Ijabs, at a meeting in Bashundhara, Dhaka.