National Election May Not Be Held on Time: JI Deputy Amir

The national election in Bangladesh may not take place on schedule, but implementing the July Charter is now the most important task, said Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Deputy Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (29 October) after a meeting at the central office in Mogbazar with a visiting delegation from the Commonwealth, led by Linford Andrews, Adviser of the ‘Electoral Support’ Division and Head of the ‘Pre-Election Assessment’ team.

Taher said, “There are various questions regarding the current electoral environment in Bangladesh. However, Jamaat has completed all necessary preparations for a free, fair, and acceptable election. This election is not an ordinary one—it must take place in a festive and credible environment.”

He added, “Regarding the implementation of the July Charter, Jamaat and various political parties, including the NCIP, have proposed that it should be carried out through a referendum. The NCIP’s proposal must be implemented quickly, and a referendum should be held based on a formal order.”

The Jamaat leader believes that a referendum is the proper step before the national election. He expressed hope that the referendum could take place by mid-November. In his words, “The July Charter is so important that it must be implemented through a referendum, even if it requires some expenditure. Otherwise, this pressure will persist in future elections.”

He further stressed that “to ensure the security of polling stations, permanent deployment of the army, BGB, RAB, and all other forces at every centre is necessary. In the past, these forces have acted as striking forces, but this time they must remain permanently on the ground.”

Khabarwala/MAz