Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar today expressed the party's full confidence in the Election Commission's (EC) capability to conduct a free, fair, and neutral national election within the announced timeframe. Parwar addressed reporters after a formal meeting with the Election Commission at its headquarters in the capital's Agargaon area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Parwar stated that the party delegation sought clarity on several issues before the upcoming national polls. He emphasized that the Commission had assured them that the elections would be held as per the schedule, and based on these commitments, Jamaat-e-Islami placed its trust in the EC's plans.
Parwar refuted any speculation of delays in the election, asserting that the meeting was not born out of distrust towards the Election Commission. Instead, he addressed public perceptions that the EC might take longer than expected to announce the election schedule. He clarified that the discussion was intended to address these concerns.
The Commission informed the delegation that preparations for a fair and neutral election were underway, with the hope of announcing the schedule within the week. The Jamaat leader mentioned that the national election is expected to occur before the holy month of Ramadan.
The meeting discussed several issues, including the deployment of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and armed forces at polling centers, ensuring neutrality of field administration, and addressing concerns about senior officials involved in election duties. The recovery of illegal firearms and expatriate voting facilities were also discussed, alongside reiterating support for installing CCTV cameras at polling centers.
Parwar highlighted the importance of a genuinely neutral national election for democracy, peace, order, and a smooth transfer of power. He suggested seeking necessary funding from donor agencies if required. The delegation also presented evidence of issues undermining a level playing field and urged the Commission to take decisive steps to resolve these problems.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) assured the delegation that once the election schedule is announced, the EC will exercise its authority to ensure neutrality, which may include administrative reshuffles. Any anomalies in recent administrative changes will be addressed immediately upon receiving complaints.
The six-member Jamaat delegation included Assistant Secretaries General ATM Masum, Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, and Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Publicity Secretary Matiur Rahman Akanda, and Bangladesh Lawyers Council President Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar.