Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that a fair election in Bangladesh is “unimaginable” under current political circumstances. Speaking at a divisional rally in Rangpur on Friday, he called for fundamental structural reforms and warned against holding what he described as a “fascist-era election.”
“We will ensure both reform and a fair election, Inshallah,” Rahman said. “If anyone is dreaming of another election under fascism, we will turn that dream into a nightmare, with the help of Almighty Allah.”
The comments came during the party’s first major public rally in Rangpur in nearly 17 years, held at the Rangpur Zilla School field. Thousands of party members gathered from early morning, arriving in groups and filling the grounds by midday.
Then, around 3:30 p.m., the party’s senior leaders took over. They introduced a slate of potential candidates for 32 different districts, basically showing everyone who they plan to run. But the whole display came with a major catch: they’ll only join the election if their demands are met.
Party Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar criticized the current political environment, stating that no election should be allowed without a “level playing field.” He urged for electoral and administrative reforms, accountability for political crimes, and a shift toward proportional representation.
“If these demands are not fulfilled before the next election,” Porwar said, “no one can expect the people to believe the vote will be fair.”
Executive council member ATM Azharul Islam echoed similar sentiments. “To build a new Bangladesh, honest leadership and the law of Allah must guide the way,” he said.
Throughout the speeches, Jamaat leaders emphasized their continued opposition to what they describe as authoritarian rule. Dr. Rahman warned against attempts at administrative interference and the use of violence or money to manipulate the vote.
“There will be no administrative coups. No terrorism at polling centers. No tolerance for black money,” he said.
Despite its limited role in recent elections, Jamaat signaled its readiness to participate in what it views as a credible process. “We are prepared to congratulate those who win in a truly fair vote,” Rahman said.
This rally is a big deal because Jamaat-e-Islami has basically been sidelined for years, facing bans and legal trouble. For them to hold a major public event like this marks a real return to the political stage. And their new demands are turning up the heat right before the national election, especially since everyone is already arguing about whether the vote will be fair.
