On June 23 at 2:00 PM, a courtesy meeting took place between the Honorable High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, Mr. Ajit Singh, and the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, at Jamaat’s central office in Dhaka. The meeting was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere. During the meeting, important issues related to mutual interest between Bangladesh and Canada were discussed elaborately.

Accompanying the Honorable High Commissioner were Ms. Siobhan Kerr, Senior Political Officer of the High Commission, and Mr. Nisar Ahmed, Political and Economic Adviser. Present alongside Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman were Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Professor Mujibur Rahman, former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Central Executive Committee member and Secretary of the Central Publicity and Media Department Advocate Matiur Rahman Akanda, Central Executive Committee member and Ameer of Dhaka City South Nurul Islam Bulbul, and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Jamaat Ameer, Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan.

Following the meeting, on behalf of Jamaat Ameer, Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher informed journalists that the Honorable Canadian High Commissioner inquired about the dialogue between political parties and the Consensus Commission. He was informed that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with several significant political parties in the country, had engaged in multiple dialogues with the Consensus Commission regarding various reforms. Discussions covered issues such as limiting a person to serving as Prime Minister no more than twice, preparing a new voter list including expatriates, and conducting elections through a proportional representation system.

It was conveyed to the High Commissioner that the political parties in Bangladesh have already reached consensus on several issues. However, some fundamental matters remain unresolved. Jamaat informed the Honorable High Commissioner that if consensus cannot be reached on these core issues, they have advised the interim government to consider holding a referendum. Jamaat also urged the government to ensure a level playing field for free, fair, and peaceful elections, and expressed concern to the interim government about preventing the emergence of fascist tendencies.

They emphasized that a significant budget would be required for election-related expenses, including installing CCTV cameras. In this regard, Jamaat has called upon Canada and other development partner nations seeking financial assistance. The Honorable High Commissioner stated that he would take the initiative to coordinate this financial support through the United Nations.

Canada has assured its full technical and overall support for a free, fair, and acceptable national parliamentary election in Bangladesh. Both sides expressed hope that bilateral cooperation between the two countries would be further strengthened in the future.