Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a show-cause notice to its central working committee member and former lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury over his remarks on controlling the administration during the national elections slated for February 2026. The notice, signed by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, was published today on the party's official Facebook page.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shahjahan Chowdhury has been asked to submit a written explanation within seven days. Failure to provide a satisfactory response will lead to further action under the party's constitution and disciplinary regulations. Speaking at Jamaat's "Electoral Coordination Conference" in Chattogram city on Saturday evening, Shahjahan Chowdhury said, "Elections cannot be held only with the people... We must bring everyone in the administration in our respective constituencies under our control. They must rise and sit at our command, make arrests at our command, and file cases at our command."
The show-cause notice stated that Chowdhury's remarks have been widely circulated on various media outlets and social media. The party reviewed his comments, which were deemed to undermine the professionalism, neutrality, and fundamental spirit of the state administration. The notice emphasized that the administration performs its duties with professionalism, leaving no room for political interference.
The notice further mentioned that Shahjahan Chowdhury has a history of making statements that undermine organisational dignity and violate party discipline. Despite being cautioned multiple times, including a warning from the ameer of Jamaat, there has been no change in his conduct. His remarks have drawn strong condemnation and concern from various levels of the administration, as well as a direct reaction from the diplomatic community. The comments have also sparked negative reactions among Jamaat members at home and abroad, and among the general public.
The notice concluded by stating that the organisation's image has been severely damaged, which is contrary to the party's constitution, principles, ideals, discipline, and responsible political behaviour.