Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today emphasized that conducting a free and fair election is unattainable without implementing significant reforms, warning that elections under current conditions would amount to an ‘electoral genocide.’
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman shared these views while addressing journalists after participating in an educational materials distribution event organized by Jamaat’s Sylhet Metropolitan unit at Shaheed Soleman Hall of the Central Muslim Literary Society. He called for ‘fundamental reforms’ as essential before any elections, insisting that without such measures, a fair election would remain impossible.
Discussing the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt,’ he stated that society harbors individuals who need to be identified and apprehended. He expressed confidence that successful identification and action against these individuals would garner nationwide support and prayers for the law enforcers.
On the topic of law and order, Dr. Shafiqur noted the fluctuations in the country’s situation since independence, acknowledging improvements and deteriorations over time. He stressed the importance of political leaders making decisions with honesty and transparency to achieve an ideal state of governance.
Regarding the upcoming elections, he remarked that being an elected government does not automatically ensure good governance. He advocated for leadership by individuals of integrity, with a good historical record and respectable present, as essential for a promising future.
Dr. Shafiqur also addressed Jamaat’s position on the forthcoming parliamentary elections, clarifying that the party has not officially announced its candidates. He described current media reports as preliminary selections, and stated that final decisions will be made closer to the elections.
The event was presided over by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer Md. Fakhrul Islam and included addresses from notable figures such as Sylhet Press Club President and Daily Jalalabad Editor Muktabis Un Noor, Sylhet Agricultural University Professor Dr. Sultan Ahmed, and others. Sylhet Metropolitan Chhatra Shibir President Shaheen Ahmed and Shahjalal University Chhatra Shibir President Tarek Monowar were also present.