Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has submitted an 18-point proposal to the Election Commission (EC) with the aim of ensuring a free, fair, and neutral national election. A seven-member delegation led by Jamaat’s Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon and presented their demands.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Assistant Secretaries General Maulana A.T.M. Ma’sum, Rafiqur Islam Khan, and Hamidur Rahman Azad were present, among others, during the meeting. Four Election Commissioners also attended the meeting. Following the discussions, Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar stated that they had presented 18 demands to the CEC to ensure a fair election. He further noted that the CEC had provided clarifications on the steps being taken, challenges faced, technical limitations, and possible measures.
The Jamaat delegation emphasized the need for cooperation from political parties and assured the Election Commission of their full cooperation, provided that the election is conducted fairly. Among the demands, the Jamaat has insisted on a referendum before the national election. They also urged a collective effort from all stakeholders to prioritize national interest over individual and party interests for an impartial election process.
The proposals put forth include ensuring neutrality in the recruitment of election officials such as presiding officers, polling officers, Ansar members, and law enforcement personnel. Additionally, they called for the deployment of adequate armed forces at polling centers, installation of CCTV cameras in all polling booths, exclusion of controversial officials from election duties, and a 100% lottery-based selection for appointing administrative officers. The proposals also stressed the presence of the armed forces, BGB, RAB, and police at polling centers at least one week before the election and ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties to maintain a level playing field.