‘If EC doesn’t act decisively now, how can we expect a fair election?’
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami today expressed grave concerns about the "deteriorating" law and order as the country prepares for the 13th national election and referendum scheduled for early February.
Following a meeting between Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and the chief election commissioner at the Election Bhaban in Dhaka's Agargaon today, the party raised concerns about facing harassment and violence during election campaigns.
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"We are witnessing serious disturbances to peace during our campaigns. Party meetings are being attacked, and even women involved in voter outreach are being harassed, attacked, and injured," Porwar said. "If the Election Commission does not act decisively now, how can we expect a free and fair election once the schedule is announced?"
The six-member Jamaat delegation met with the CEC and four election commissioners for a one-and-a-half-hour discussion on various election-related issues. Porwar emphasised that citizens are waiting for a transparent election and urged the EC to announce the election date soon, noting that "time is running out with Ramadan approaching."
Key issues raised by Jamaat included deployment of Border Guard Bangladesh and military personnel at polling stations, neutrality of local administrative officers, illegal weapons recovery, simplified voter registration for expatriate Bangladeshis, and installation of CCTV cameras at polling stations.
"A transparent election is crucial for maintaining peace and democracy. The government spends large sums on various projects, and a fair election should be the top priority," the Jamaat leader argued.
The Election Commission assured Jamaat of its commitment to conducting a free and fair election and indicated it would announce the election schedule within the week, confirming the election would take place before Ramadan.
"The nation's hope and aspirations from the July 2024 uprising is that this time the election will be free and fair. The hopes of the nation that were not fulfilled in 2014, 2018, and 2024 are the reason why thousands have sacrificed their lives. 30,000 of our children have been injured. Their sacrifices will be in vain if we do not ensure a fair election this time."
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