Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami today submitted a letter to the Election Commission (EC), seeking adequate security for its candidates, party workers, and particularly women activists across the country ahead of the February 12 national parliamentary election. A five-member Jamaat delegation placed the demand before Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and head of its publicity and media wing Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair informed the Election Commission about various problems Jamaat is facing ahead of the election, particularly the harassment of women activists in different areas. Zubair highlighted that the conduct of certain members of the law enforcement agencies appears biased, which is undesirable at the final stage of the election.
Addressing concerns over women’s security and alleged misinformation, Zubair mentioned that a vested group is spreading fear among women voters through false propaganda, including baseless claims about the production of burqas. He emphasized that such propaganda aims to intimidate veiled and religious women voters, discouraging them from participating in the polls.
Zubair stressed the importance of ensuring the safety, dignity, and respect of women voters, who make up half of the electorate. He urged the Election Commission to take visible measures to enable women to come to polling centres without fear. He also called for neutrality from the administration during the election, urging the Election Commission to act against officials who fail to maintain impartiality, as this could affect the credibility of the election.
In response to a question, Zubair reiterated Jamaat’s commitment to upholding the dignity and honour of women. He revealed that legal action has been taken, including filing a general diary, over attempts to spread confusion through a hacked X (Former Twitter) account of the Jamaat Ameer. He also mentioned that Jamaat’s election manifesto and policy paper prioritize women’s rights and opportunities, with women voters showing strong support for the party.
With only three days left before the election, Zubair expressed concerns that without effective steps, holding a free, fair, and acceptable election would be difficult. He expressed hope that the Election Commission will fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.
Central Executive Council member Mobarak Hossain, Barrister Saifuddin Khaled, and journalist Oliullah Noman were also present on the occasion.