‘If necessary, Jamaat will field non-Muslim candidates’
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar has said that the party is open to fielding non-Muslim candidates in elections if necessary. However, he clarified that women will only be nominated for reserved seats and not for general constituencies. Mia Golam Parwar, a former member of parliament from the Khulna-5 constituency in seventh Jatiya Sangsad, has been a prominent figure in Jamaat-e-Islami’s political activities. He has faced multiple imprisonments in various cases during the Awami League government’s tenure. In an exclusive interview with Jago News' Abdullah al Miraj, Parwar discussed a range of topics, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s current political strategies, electoral plans, and future goals.
Jago News: Jamaat is saying possibilities of unity among Islamist parties. If such an alliance is formed, will it merely be a vote-centric strategy, or will it also involve collaborative political efforts?
Mia Golam Parwar: Discussions regarding contesting elections through mutual understanding among Islamist parties have already begun. Such discussions occur at multiple levels. Questions such as whether it will be a formal alliance or a seat-sharing agreement, who will lead the alliance if formed, and with whom agreements will be made – all these issues will gain prominence as the election approaches. It will take some time to finalise these matters.
Jamaat-e-Islami has engaged in talks with other Islamist parties. A sense of sincerity is evident among all parties involved. They are actively discussing various possibilities. As a result, the public is optimistic about the potential for unity among Islamic parties.
Regarding women candidates, Bangladesh Jamaat maintains its previous stance. Women will not contest elections in the 300 general seats. However, we remain committed to ensuring women’s representation through reserved seats.
Additionally, formal and informal discussions are ongoing with other political parties that have practiced anti-fascist politics. Only time will reveal whether an alliance inspired by the spirit of the July coup will emerge. However, it is certainly a possibility.
Jago News: Will Jamaat field non-Muslim and women candidates in the upcoming elections?
Mia Golam Parwar: This matter has been thoroughly discussed in our parliamentary board meetings. We have resolved to nominate candidates who align with Jamaat-e-Islami’s political, economic, and nation-building agendas. If necessary, and if we identify suitable individuals among non-Muslim communities, we are open to fielding them as candidates. However, no decisions or selections have been finalised yet.
Regarding women candidates, they will not be fielded for the 300 general seats but will be considered exclusively for reserved seats, in line with our existing policy.
Jago News: What would be the nature of Bangladesh’s relationship with India if Jamaat assumes office?
Mia Golam Parwar: India is our larger neighbour, and we aim to maintain friendly relations with all our next-door neighbours. Neither the state nor the people of India are inherently against us.
However, those in power in India often speak of neighbourly and friendly relations, but in practice, equality and fairness are missing. Their approach seems to prioritise their own interests. They take water from our rivers, commit killings at the border, benefit from connectivity arrangements, and maintain a trade balance that favours them. They have halted transshipment for us, yet they continue to enjoy transit facilities through our country.
We desire good relations with India, as our foreign policy is rooted in the principle of "no enmity with anyone, friendship with all." However, one-sided love cannot sustain a relationship. We seek ties based on fairness, equality, and mutual respect. Unfortunately, there are indications that certain forces are attempting to destabilise Bangladesh, which raises concerns about the dynamics of this relationship.
Jago News: The BNP has been insisting holding elections by December and you also have set three conditions. If these conditions are not met, will you still accept the election?
Mia Golam Parwar: We believe there won’t be significant disagreements among political parties regarding the election date. Certain realities may come to light as the situation progresses. The Chief Adviser has indicated that the elections will either be held by June of next year or in December this year. Within this timeframe, reforms and necessary decisions can be implemented after fulfilling the required conditions.
As Jamaat Amir has pointed out, the rainy season typically occurs in May and June. Unless it is absolutely unavoidable, elections are generally not held during this period. However, we have no issues with the timing or schedule of the elections. Jamaat-e-Islami is aligned with the timeline proposed by the Chief Adviser, and we find it reasonable.
We maintain that if the government does not unnecessarily delay the process, it will be possible to hold the elections within the stipulated timeframe. Our focus is on ensuring that the elections are free, fair, and credible, and we are committed to supporting the process in accordance with the given schedule.
Jago News: There are allegations of attacks on your leaders and activists by BNP supporters in various places. What actions are you taking to address this?
Mia Golam Parwar: We view these issues as deeply regrettable. Such incidents largely depend on the discipline, loyalty, patience, and control exercised by the leadership of each party.
We believe that if all parties participating in the elections demonstrate absolute tolerance, patience, and generosity, these problems can be resolved.
However, human society is not entirely free from errors. It is possible that the central leadership may not always be aware when some unruly worker causes trouble in a particular area. In many cases, such individuals may already have been expelled or disciplined by the party. If the central leadership takes proactive steps to address these issues at the grassroots level, the frequency of such incidents will likely decrease.
We emphasise the importance of maintaining harmony and mutual respect during this critical period leading up to the elections.
Jago News: Are you taking any significant steps regarding the registration of Jamaat-e-Islami and the release of ATM Azharul Islam? When do you expect to achieve success in this regard?
Mia Golam Parwar: It is understandable why questions are being raised about the non-release of our senior leader, ATM Azhar. After August 5, 2024, many individuals accused in major cases during the Awami League’s misrule have been released. Everyone else has been freed—so why hasn’t he been released?
If the current government had shown a bit more sympathy toward him, his legal proceedings would have been resolved much earlier. We remain hopeful that he will be released very soon. He spent 14 years in the condemned cell based on false charges, which is a grave injustice.
Similarly, our party’s registration was also cancelled under questionable circumstances. The hearing regarding our registration will commence as soon as the court resumes its proceedings. We are optimistic that we will regain our registration and electoral symbol in the near future.
We firmly believe that justice will prevail—ATM Azhar will be released, and Jamaat-e-Islami will reclaim its rightful place in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Jago News: Students have formed new parties like National Citizen Party or Up Bangladesh are being formed, with former and current members of Shibir, who participated in or led the July uprising. Will these platforms impact your vote share?
Mia Golam Parwar: Votes are still being deposited in various "bank accounts," so to speak, and those accounts have not been closed yet. Everyone’s accounts are now open, and only time will reveal how many votes are deposited in which account. Some parties or groups may see an increase in their vote share, while others may experience a decline.
Everyone has the right to form a new political party or platform. We have always maintained a relationship with students, and it is natural for them to create new movements or parties based on their aspirations.
However, these new entities have different goals and objectives, often driven by a profit-loss mindset. Our approach remains inclusive—we maintain relationships with everyone.
Ultimately, the people will decide where their support lies, and we are confident that our consistent principles and longstanding commitment to the nation will resonate with voters.