On 31 August (Sunday) at 4:30 PM, at the invitation of the Honorable Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami led by Nayeb-e-Ameer and former Member of Parliament Dr. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher met him at Jamuna, his government residence. The delegation also included Jamaat’s Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, and former MP Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad.

After coming out of Jamuna, in a brief press briefing, Dr. Taher said: “We had an open discussion with the Chief Adviser on important issues including the current political situation in Bangladesh, the steps needed to ensure the upcoming national election is free, fair, and acceptable, conspiracies to thwart the election, and multifaceted conspiracies against the country.”

He further said: “The people of Bangladesh hoped for change in exchange for long struggles, blood, and sacrifice. After the fall of dictatorship and fascism, the people expected qualitative changes in politics, economy, and culture. Our goal is to usher in a new beginning through elections and to reach a prosperous Bangladesh.”

Dr. Taher informed that the Chief Adviser had given assurances on three points. These are: to carry out reforms so that elections are not repeatedly questioned, to ensure justice is visible, and to hold a joyful election of international standard.

He also mentioned that in the current situation, these very promises have become questionable. Jamaat, along with various political parties, has participated in discussions on electoral reforms, and among 31 parties, the majority have reached consensus on 19 important issues. One of the key demands is the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) system.

He said: “Twenty-five parties are in favor of the PR system. We want PR to be introduced at both levels—the Lower House and the Upper House. If PR is implemented, there will be no scope for casting day’s votes at night, vote-rigging will be prevented, and a modern and transparent electoral system will be established.”

Warning of risks and barriers, he said: “If elections are held under the old system under pressure from a few parties while ignoring the opinion of the majority, it will create a crisis and call the entire process into question.”

Dr. Taher emphatically stated: “We want elections in February. But such elections must ensure the consent, participation, and satisfaction of all parties. Only then will it be possible to hold a free, fair, acceptable, and festive election.”

He added: “We have said that the current situation in the country has reached a very alarming stage. The attack on Nurul Haque Nur is proof of this claim. Such a heinous attack on one of the heroes of the second war of independence and one of the leading figures of the movement for a new Bangladesh poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic progress. We strongly condemn this incident and demand the immediate formation of a judicial investigation committee to identify the perpetrators and ensure strict punishment.”

He further said: “We are clearly saying that if such a situation arises before the election, then there is a fear of an even worse situation during the election. Therefore, the right decision must be made now to hold free, fair, and acceptable elections. Both the government and all political parties have a responsibility in this regard.”

He further said, “But unfortunately, the interim government has not yet been able to play any effective role against wrongdoers. A government that cannot evict occupiers from a bus stand or bring an extortionist under the law, how can that government successfully conduct a national election? We are concerned and worried about this. Still, we want to say that there is still time. If the government sincerely makes the right decision and takes effective initiatives, then a way out of this crisis can be created.”

He concluded by saying: “In our discussion, the Chief Adviser assured us that he would seriously consider the issues raised by our delegation and take necessary initiatives accordingly.”