On the occasion of 15 September, the "International Day of Democracy," Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former Member of Parliament Professor Mia Golam Porwar issued a statement on 15 September.

He said, “Today, 15 September, is the ‘International Day of Democracy.’ Democracy is the foundation of equality, the rule of law, citizens’ rights and freedom of expression. In the absence of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and freedom of speech cease to exist. Over the past 17 years a fascist government has strangled and killed democracy.

The people have been deprived of the right to vote, justice, social protection and fundamental rights. However, the popular uprising of July 2024 has presented a historic opportunity to establish democracy in the country, which must by no means be lost. Everyone must unite beyond party lines to institutionalize democracy.

He further said that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on ‘International Day of Democracy,’ expresses to the nation its pledge that Jamaat-e-Islami is determined to consolidate and institutionalize democracy. To this end, Jamaat-e-Islami has been tirelessly working to establish equality, the rule of law, citizens’ rights and freedom of expression in the country.

He added that democracy must be restored and institutionalized. The nation must be freed from the curse of enforced disappearances, killings and crossfires. To prevent the birth of a new fascism in the country, a free, fair and acceptable election under an interim government is essential.

He said the interim government has already announced a roadmap for the national parliamentary election. We have been calling for necessary steps to ensure a free, fair, neutral and fear-free election. In light of past experience, all forms of malpractice — including black money, muscle power and capture of polling centers — must be stopped. We demand elections by proportional representation (PR) to form a competent legislature and a parliament of dignity. Most political parties, intellectuals, journalists, writers, researchers and academics in the country have agreed with this demand.

He also said that we observe that the legitimate demands of the people are not being implemented. Therefore, there is no alternative to popular movement for the recovery of the people’s rights. Based on the July national charter, a free, fair and acceptable election must be held next February to restore the people’s right to vote and transform Bangladesh into a just and accountable democratic state. To this end, Jamaat-e-Islami today, 15 September, has presented a five-point popular demand before the nation and is calling on the people to unite.

He further said that a level playing field must be ensured for all parties. Before the election, the July national charter should be given legal standing and, on that basis, elections should be held by the PR system. We urge conscious citizens and people of all classes and professions to rise up in a united movement to establish a government of the people.”