Special Correspondent: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman yesterday said the country needs an election where voters can cast their ballots without fear and see their votes reflected in the results, stressing that installing CCTV cameras in every polling booth is essential to ensure transparency.
"We want an election where voters can vote freely and get a true reflection of their votes. For this, CCTV cameras in every booth are necessary. The government and the Election Commission must ensure this," he said.
Dr Shafiqur was addressing an exchange of views with retired armed forces officers at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital this evening. He said elections are not a solution to all problems but serve as a starting point, adding that a fair election is the seed of a fair society. "We do not want any election based on political understanding or compromise," he said. Referring to past polls, the Jamaat chief said his party does not want to see elections like those held previously. "We do not want any engineered election. If anyone attempts to manipulate or engineer the election process, the people together will force them to flee the country," he added. Expressing optimism about the upcoming 13th national election, Dr Shafiqur said that no real voting took place in the last three elections. "No one could vote. But we are hopeful about the next election. If a barrier-free environment is ensured for voters and the results reflect their votes, that will be a fair election," he said. He also underscored the importance of accountability in governance, saying the chief adviser, prime minister and president must all be accountable under a system of mutual checks and balances.
Recalling the events of 2024, Dr Shafiqur said the responsible role played by the Bangladesh Army during those critical days saved the nation from a possible civil war. "It is my and my party`s perception that without the army`s role on August 3, 4 and 5, I would not be standing here speaking today," he said, paying tribute to both serving and retired army officers.
He said people from all political beliefs united during the 2024 July Uprising and claimed that Jamaat did not seek any sole credit for the change.
"There is no single mastermind here. The revolutionary people of Bangladesh together are the mastermind," he said, adding that martyrs of the uprising should not be identified by party affiliation. Highlighting the role of the armed forces in the Liberation War of 1971, Dr Shafiqur paid homage to martyred soldiers and freedom fighters, saying their sacrifices must be honoured with due recognition. He also expressed gratitude to injured and disabled veterans and acknowledged the army`s role in safeguarding the country`s sovereignty, including in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
The Jamaat Ameer said the nation is now at a crossroads, with the election scheduled for next month and only 30 days remaining. "We want an election where voters can vote without fear and see their votes reflected. CCTV cameras in every polling booth are essential."
Dr Shafiqur also said Jamaat has promised the youth that they will be able to vote this time, adding, "You will vote, and we will guard your votes-this is the responsibility of the nation."
Calling for a just and corruption-free Bangladesh, he said Jamaat does not seek party victory alone. "We want liberation for 180 million people. We want the victory of the nation alongside the victory of the party," he added.