Bangladesh: Jamaat-e-Islami meets Election Commission, marking key step in return to mainstream politics
The meeting was attended by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, with the Jamaat being represented by a three-member delegation led by Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad.
During the talks, the controversial hardline Islamic party tabled four key demands: the adoption of a proportional representation (PR) electoral system; voting rights for overseas Bangladeshis; holding local government elections before the national vote; and ensuring local polls are overseen by a non-partisan administration.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Azad said, 'By implementing the court's decision and restoring our registration and electoral symbol, the Election Commission has taken a step toward justice. It proves that our political rights were previously denied under a repressive regime.'
On whether Jamaat now trusts the Commission, Azad remained non-committal. 'We are observing the Commission's conduct. Where they act fairly, we acknowledge it. If they fall short, we will raise our voice.'
Addressing the ongoing consultations over a national charter, Azad expressed hope that Jamaat's proposals would be reflected in the final outcome. He urged the government to take concrete steps to ensure the charter is implemented.
On electoral reform, Azad argued that introducing a PR system would reduce the influence of money, criminality, and nomination manipulation in politics. 'We have proposed that any party receiving at least 1% of the vote should be allocated seats in Parliament. This would better reflect the people's will.'
Azad also highlighted that around 11 million expatriates are currently denied the right to vote. He called for the introduction of postal and online voting systems to include them in the democratic process.
He stressed that local government elections should take place before the national polls and under a neutral administration to ensure transparency, public confidence, and a fair electoral environment.
The party, which remains a controversial figure in Bangladesh, is known for its hardline Islamic policies and calls to install a theocratic regime in the country, undoing its secular pluralistic democratic socialist fabric. UNI ANV SSP
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