Jamaat-led alliance to finalise seat-sharing within two days

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman says the alliance led by his party will announce its seat-sharing deal tomorrow or the day after. 

He said this while speaking to reporters after meeting a three-member delegation of the European Union Election Observation Mission, led by Chief Observer and European Parliament member Ivars Ijabs, at his Bashundhara office on Monday.

He said the Election Commission is still hearing appeals, while symbols and campaigning are set to begin on the 21st. The alliance’s internal issues are yet to be settled, but he assured that an invitation will be sent within the next two days. “We will appear together before everyone,” he said.

Asked whether the EU will send observers this time after skipping the previous election, he said the mission plans to deploy about 200 representatives who will cover districts and city corporation areas.

On whether the alliance has placed conditions for post-election talks on a national government with the BNP, Shafiqur said they are not seeking unconditional arrangements. “Why should we forcibly shoulder responsibilities of others? We want to move the country toward clear accountability,” he said.

He claimed many in the administration act as loyalists of the Awami League. 

Asked whether a fair election is possible under the current setup, he said they expect reforms. “If not, they will be compelled to change.”

Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, educationist Dr Zubair Ahmed, Development Team Lead Dewan Alamgir and Jamaat chief’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan were also present at the meeting.