Jamaat calls for vigilance to protect votes in Thakurgaon-1 by-election

Special Correspondent: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called on its leaders and activists to remain vigilant and act as guardians of voters’ rights in the upcoming by-election to the Thakurgaon-1 constituency, scheduled for October 29.
Muhammad Selim Uddin, a member of the party’s Central Executive Council, Ameer of Jamaat’s Dhaka North city unit and former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, made the call at an exchange of views with party leaders and activists at the Thakurgaon district Jamaat office on Tuesday afternoon.
“Protecting the people’s votes is our responsibility. We must ensure that no one can steal votes under any circumstances,” he said, urging party activists to remain alert throughout the electoral process and work to ensure that voters can exercise their rights freely.
Selim Uddin claimed that public interest in Jamaat-e-Islami had increased compared with previous years. Alleging that ruling party activists had been involved in terrorism, extortion, land grabbing and misgovernance following the last parliamentary election, he said ordinary people had become increasingly frustrated with the situation.
In contrast, he claimed, people were living in relatively better conditions in areas represented by Jamaat lawmakers, where, according to him, terrorism, extortion, land grabbing and plundering were absent. He said the party was seeking to gain public confidence through its activities and commitment to serving ordinary people.
Expressing optimism about the upcoming by-election, Selim Uddin said the people of Thakurgaon would have an opportunity to elect a representative of their choice. He stressed that votes could no longer be secured through fear, intimidation or inducements, adding that candidates must earn public support through love, sincerity and humanitarian values.
Backing Jamaat candidate Delwar Hossain, he said the candidate had remained engaged with ordinary people and understood their problems and expectations. He expressed hope that voters would give Hossain an opportunity to represent the constituency and work for their welfare.
Selim Uddin also urged party leaders and activists to carry out their electoral responsibilities with courage and determination, despite any threats, intimidation or pressure. He warned that political opponents might attempt to undermine their morale and intimidate ordinary voters to influence the electoral process.
Calling for unity and vigilance among party workers, he said they must stand beside voters and ensure that no one could prevent them from casting their ballots freely.
“Whatever obstacles they create, we will not deviate even slightly from our goal,” he said, reaffirming the party’s commitment to protecting voters’ rights.
The meeting was chaired by Professor Belal Uddin Pradhan, Ameer of Jamaat’s Thakurgaon district unit.
Among those present were district secretary Mohammad Alamgir, assistant district secretary Principal Kafil Uddin Ahmed, Baitulmal secretary Professor Firoz Biswas, training secretary Maulana Solaiman Hossain, publicity secretary Principal Shahjalal Jewel, Sadar upazila Ameer Maulana Mizanur Rahman and Sadar secretary SM Adiul Islam, among others.