Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General and former Member of Parliament, Mia Golam Porwar said, “By reforming the existing state system, we—together with political parties—have formulated reform proposals to establish a system of good governance, balance of power, a corruption-free and discrimination-free state structure that safeguards people’s rights. This framework has been accepted by the nation as the July Charter. It is now going to be placed before the people in an upcoming referendum to seek public opinion. In this referendum, we are calling on the people to say ‘Yes’ in favor of reform. ‘Yes’ must be made victorious. Making ‘Yes’ victorious means saying no to corruption, no to fascism, no to partisan approaches, no to the suppression of dissent, and saying ‘Yes’ to justice, voting rights, democracy, and the rule of law. To build a discrimination-free and corruption-free society in the coming days, he urged voters to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum and make ‘Yes’ victorious.”

He made these remarks while delivering the chief guest’s speech at the ward representatives’ meeting of Shahpur Union Wards 1, 2, 3, and 12 at 11:00 am on Tuesday (23 December) at the auditorium of Government Shahpur Madhugram College in Dumuria Upazila of Khulna-5 constituency.

The meeting was presided over by Dumuria Upazila Nayeb-e-Ameer Gazi Saifullah and hosted by Upazila Youth President B. M. Alamgir Hossain. Special guests included Khulna District Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Munshi Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Secretary Professor Mia Golam Quddus, and Student Affairs Secretary Advocate Abu Yusuf Molla. Among others, Dumuria Upazila Ameer Maulana Mokhtar Hossain, Upazila Hindu Branch President Dr. Haridas Mondal, Upazila Executive Committee Member Maulana Hafizur Rahman, Master Mostak Ahmed Chowdhury, Sheikh Billah Hossain, Maulana Mustafa Kamal, and Maulana Abdul Mannan addressed the program.

The Secretary General said that to ensure free and fair elections, a level playing field must be maintained at all administrative levels—meaning equal rights and opportunities for all political parties. He added that the nation is currently concerned about incidents of violence, terrorism, gunshots, and similar events prevailing in the country. To control these, cooperation, collective efforts, and active roles by law enforcement agencies, the authorities concerned, and all relevant stakeholders are indispensable.

He further said that Jamaat-e-Islami is sincere about following the electoral code of conduct. However, some parties violate the electoral code by making promises, grants, and financial incentives to the public in the name of family cards and farmer cards after the election schedule is announced, which is a clear violation of the code of conduct. These are going viral on social media through various audio and video clips. The Election Commission and the relevant authorities must take these into consideration and take strict action. Otherwise, the nation will not be able to remain hopeful about a free and impartial election.

Earlier, at 9:00 am, the Phultala Upazila Ward Representatives’ Meeting was held as well. The meeting was presided over by Upazila Ameer Professor Abdul Alim Molla and hosted by Upazila Secretary Maulana Saiful Hasan. At 3:00 pm, another ward representatives’ meeting was held at Dumuria College Auditorium, presided over by Upazila Ameer Maulana Mokhtar Hossain and hosted by Upazila Secretary Master Abdur Rashid Biswas. Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Porwar delivered the chief guest’s speech at these two programs.

Meanwhile, at 7:00 pm, the Secretary General delivered the chief guest’s speech at a supporter members’ meeting organized by Ward No. 7 of Atra–Gilatalia Union in Phultala, held in the courtyard of Abdul Malek’s residence. The meeting was presided over by Abdul Malek.