Democracy's death appears imminent if elections ignore purging the corrupt past, according to Jamaat leader's remarks.
In a powerful speech at a gathering in Feni district, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh, called for fundamental reforms to ensure a free and fair upcoming national election.
Dr. Rahman emphasized the need to eliminate election engineering and manipulation, warning against any administration-led conspiracies or cronyism during the elections. He vowed to prevent misuse of power or black money games, ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.
Jamaat also demanded justice, calling for the trial of murderers from previous mass uprisings to create a credible political environment for elections. The party also advocated for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan as part of broader reforms envisioned for the electoral process and governance.
Dr. Rahman further argued for the holding of local government elections before the national election, stating that these are essential to reducing public suffering and potentially establishing a better electoral environment before national polls.
Regarding the caretaker government, Dr. Rahman's insistence on fundamental reforms and a credible election environment implies support for mechanisms that ensure neutrality in administering the polls. Historically, caretaker governments have been viewed by many opposition groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, as essential for conducting unbiased elections free from ruling party influence.
Dr. Rahman expressed hope that no one would question the election results, emphasizing the need for a peaceful, free, and fair election that honours the sacrifices of martyrs. In summary, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman demands fundamental structural reforms to eliminate manipulation, the holding of local polls before national elections, a neutral and transparent election process likely necessitating a caretaker government, and accountability for past political violence as part of the reform process. These measures together are designed to ensure that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh is credible, free of undue influence, and truly reflects the people's aspirations.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, in his speech, also called for an implementation of the Teesta Master Plan as part of broader reforms for the electoral process and governance, aligning it with the war-and-conflicts and politics discourse. Furthermore, the party's advocacy for the holdings of local government elections before the national election signifies a focus on general news pertaining to election reforms and administration.
