Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that the national election should be held in February. He warned that delaying the election could lead to various types of disorder in the country. However, before that, the legal basis of the July Declaration must be established through a referendum. According to him, there is no scope for the Awami League to participate in the upcoming election. He emphasized that the proportional representation (PR) system is Jamaat’s preferred electoral method, and he believes the general public will support elections conducted under this system.

He further stated that Jamaat will not form any alliance in the upcoming election, but there could be electoral understanding with patriotic democratic forces. In line with this understanding, many changes may occur in Jamaat’s announced list of parliamentary candidates.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks while interacting with journalists at the VIP lounge of Sylhet Osmani International Airport at 8:30 am on Wednesday, 5 November. Earlier, he arrived at the airport at 8:15 am via a US-Bangla flight. Upon arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Sylhet Jamaat representatives, and after meeting the press, he was taken to Sylhet city in a motorcycle procession of several thousand vehicles. Along the four-kilometer route from the airport, hundreds of people waved and welcomed him. After a successful foreign trip, Jamaat Ameer returned to the country on Tuesday and immediately embarked on a two-day organizational visit to Sylhet.

The Ameer expressed that no election has been held in the country over the past one and a half decades. This upcoming election is expected to be significant and fair. Through this election, a new, corruption-free Bangladesh should be built, Insha’Allah.

Sharing experiences from his recent foreign visit, he mentioned that he met with expatriates who approached him with warmth and affection. He was deeply moved by their love and noted that expatriates also have high expectations from the nation. They wish to contribute to nation-building but seek respect in return, which has not been fully accorded despite their enormous contributions.

He also highlighted that many expatriate Bangladeshis could not complete the voter registration process by the 30 October deadline set by the Election Commission. Millions of expatriates reside abroad, and to enable them all to become voters, Jamaat has requested the EC to extend the registration period by at least 15 more days. Expatriates significantly contribute to the country’s economy, and if Jamaat comes to power, their representation in government will be proportional to their population, Insha’Allah.

Answering a question about whether the Awami League would participate, he said the party does not want elections. Over the past one and a half decades, despite having the opportunity, they avoided elections in true sence and monopolized power. Millions of young people have been unable to vote in the past 15 years, and the people will not accept Awami League in the elections.

Regarding Sylhet, he stated that extensive discussions are ongoing about various local problems, particularly the severe road communication issues with Dhaka. Jamaat’s representatives have met with the Road and Transport Adviser to seek prompt solutions. They also maintain regular contact with higher government authorities on various issues in Sylhet. He emphasized that Jamaat will never lag in protecting Sylhet’s rights.

Among others, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General, Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubayer, Central Working Committee Member and Sylhet City Ameer, Muhammad Fakhrul Islam, Central Majlis-e-Shura Member, Sylhet District Ameer, and Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate for Sylhet-1, Maulana Habibur Rahman, Sylhet regional team member and election coordinator for Sylhet-1 Candidate, Hafiz Maulana Abdul Hai Harun, Sylhet District Nayeb-e-Ameer and Jamaat-nominated MP candidate for Sylhet-2, Professor Abdul Hannan, Sylhet District Nayeb-e-Ameer and Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate for Sylhet-5, Hafiz Maulana Anwar Hossain Khan, Sylhet City Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Nurul Islam Babul, Sylhet District Secretary and Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate for Sylhet-4, and former Jaintapur Upazila Chairman Muhammad Zaynal Abedin, Sylhet city Secretary and Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate for Habiganj-1 Mohammad Shahjahan Ali, Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate for Sylhet-3 and former South Surma Upazila