Jamaat Amir claims ‘no level playing field’ ahead of elections

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said that the political environment ahead of the upcoming national election is far from a level playing field, warning that failure to hold the polls by February could push the country into crisis.

He made the remarks while addressing a gathering at Chattogram’s Parade Ground after landing there on a helicopter at 3:00pm on Saturday.

Dr Shafiqur said Jamaat is focused on its demand for introducing proportional representation (PR), which he described as essential for ensuring democratic rights. “We have no time to poke anyone or respond to provocation. Our demand for PR is for the people’s benefit. Even if we come to power, we will implement it,” he said.

He added that holding local government elections within the current timeframe is unrealistic. “We are not placing any demands that cannot be implemented. At this moment, local government polls are not practical,” he noted.

Rejecting the idea of forming any political alliance for the national election, Shafiqur said Jamaat would move forward with “central consensus.” 

He emphasised that he does not seek victory for Jamaat alone. “I want the victory of the people, not just Jamaat in Chittagong,” he said.

Shafiqur also criticised the proposal to hold a referendum on the day of the national election, warning that it could lead to “election genocide” due to mismanagement or chaos.

The Jamaat chief landed at Chattogram’s Parade Maidan by helicopter at 2:45pm. From there, he travelled by road to attend the annual conference of Al Jamiatul Islamia Madrasa in the Akbar Shah area as chief guest. 

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khaled Hossain, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Mamunul Haque and several other leaders are expected to attend the event.

Earlier, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Muhammad Shahjahan, City Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Nazrul Islam, and other local leaders greeted Shafiqur with flowers. 

Several thousand party leaders and activists also gathered there to receive him.