‘If the vote is impartial, we will accept it; others must too’
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday expressed hope that the election would be peaceful, fair, free from violence and occupation, and acceptable to all.
"We want the results that will come through a fair process. If the vote is free and impartial, we will accept the outcome. Others must also accept it. That is the beauty of democracy. This is what we want," he said.
Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks while speaking to reporters after casting his ballot at Monipur High School and College polling centre in the capital Dhaka.
The Jamaat amir said that after a long wait, people have finally got the opportunity to vote. "Alhamdulillah, Allah has given us the opportunity to cast our votes today. I express my gratitude to the Almighty. I pray that through this vote, may Allah initiate a new chapter for Bangladesh," he added.
He said the youth, many of whom had never been able to cast a vote before, eagerly awaited the day.
Shafiqur Rahman hoped that the election would pave the way for forming a government that would not belong to any individual, family or party, but to the country's 180 million people. "We are optimistic about forming such a government. Pray for us," he said.
He said he would visit other polling centres and monitor the situation across the country. "We will ignore minor issues, but if there are any major irregularities, we will not let them pass. We will take necessary steps because we do not want people to lose their voting rights," he added.
Calling for cooperation from all, he said the country belongs to everyone and must be built collectively, hand in hand. He also underscored the role of the media, describing it as the fourth pillar of society.
"We want the media to stand beside us in building the country. We expect your support and goodwill. In the days ahead, Insha'Allah, we want to move forward together, shoulder to shoulder, in nation-building," he said.
He urged voters, both men and women, to come out of their homes and exercise their franchise peacefully, safely and without fear.
"Everyone should come forward, exercise their rights and become proud stakeholders in building the state by fulfilling their responsibilities," he said.
Referring to media reporting, he said the same news is sometimes presented differently by different outlets. "If anyone commits a crime, even if it is me, I am against wrongdoing. But turning something that is not a crime into one is also a serious offence. There are some malpractices in our country that should be avoided," he added.
Source: BSS