Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued the following statement on 9 November 2018 expressing deep concern as the Election Commission has declared schedule for national polls on 8 November.
“It was the expectation of the countrymen that a congenial atmosphere would be created under a non-party caretaker government. But instead of that, the government forced its subservient election commission to declare poll schedule hurriedly ignoring the view and opinions of all the opposition parties and the general masses. Thus, they shut down the door of a fair, credible and inclusive election. Along with the opposition parties and the fellow countrymen, we are deeply worried in this regard. By declaring the election schedule, the election commission also proved that they have no capacity to go beyond the government’s blue-print design.
Earlier, on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami, we had declared 8 point-demands to make the election free and fair. Some other parties and alliances also placed similar demands as well. But paying no heed to our call and justified demands, the election schedule has been declared. Such initiative would intensify the ongoing political crisis.
In one hand, the poll schedule is declared while on the other, opponent leaders and activists are being arrested massively. These realities proved that the government is trying to hold worse election than 5th January. Such a conspiracy will not bring good result for any quarter.
The consequence of the farcical election held on 5th January 2014 was not better for anybody. Similar attempt may turn the situation into worse. The hurried initiative of the election commission for declaring election schedule, proved once again that they have no intention of holding a free, fair, credible and inclusive election at all. Within this short timeframe, it is not possible to hold an acceptable election.
Under the circumstance, I am urging the concerned authority to show respect towards the view and opinions of the people and the opposition parties and also to take initiatives to hold a free, fair and credible election. Otherwise, the government has to take the liabilities of any untoward consequences.