The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has called for national elections to be held by February or April 2026, marking the latest demand from the political party for a fair and transparent electoral process. Speaking at the district and metropolitan Ameer conference at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, Shafiqur Rahman stressed that these two time-frames are most suitable for the elections, considering the current situation in the country and the approaching Ramadan.
Dr. Shafiqur explained that February would be an ideal time to hold elections before Ramadan, but he also pointed out that if electoral reform activities and public confidence-building processes are not sufficiently completed by then, the election process should not be delayed beyond April 2026. He underlined that the months following Ramadan, especially in late February and March, would not be conducive for elections due to the significant impact of the fasting month.
“The government must ensure that electoral reforms and a clear, visible process of trials are put in place before elections can be held,” Shafiqur Rahman said. He emphasized that such reforms are vital to building public confidence in the fairness of the election process, which has been one of the key issues for political parties and citizens in Bangladesh for years.
Despite the concerns, Shafiqur Rahman expressed optimism that the government could move forward with reforms if it remains sincere and cooperative with all political parties. He stressed that Jamaat-e-Islami is open to working with the government on electoral reform if it leads to a more transparent and fair election process.
Addressing the broader political context, Dr. Shafiqur raised concerns about what he called “fascism” under the current government and called for the downfall of such political structures in Bangladesh. He reflected on the nation’s past, pointing out that Bangladesh has yet to fully come to terms with its tragic history, including numerous instances of political violence.
He recounted incidents such as the 2009 Peelkhana Massacre, where 57 patriotic military officers were killed, and the 2013 Shapla Chattar killings, in which Jamaat-e-Islami supporters and Hefazat workers were killed in violent government crackdowns. He also mentioned other tragic incidents during the rule of the Awami League and its allies, alleging the exploitation and repression of opposition groups.
Reflecting on the period after August 5, 2024, when the country was allegedly in a political void, Shafiqur Rahman called for calm and restraint. He urged Jamaat-e-Islami supporters and the general public to avoid taking matters into their own hands, advocating for legal recourse and peaceful action in the face of government repression.
Shafiqur also highlighted the ongoing efforts of Jamaat workers to provide aid during natural disasters, such as the recent Feni floods, and vowed to continue fighting for justice for those affected by past atrocities. He called for the prosecution of those responsible for the killings, disappearances, and financial crimes over the past 15 years.
As the political climate heats up ahead of the upcoming elections, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s remarks underline the urgency for reforms, transparency, and accountability in ensuring a fair and just election process in Bangladesh.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
