Shahjahan Chowdhury’s Remarks Expose Jamaat’s Election Blueprint

Abul Hashem Bakkar, former General Secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, has alleged that recent comments by Jamaat leader Shahjahan Chowdhury have revealed the party’s blueprint to manipulate the administration and influence elections. Speaking at a public gathering on Friday (28 November) at the District Council grounds in Lal Dighi, Chattogram, he claimed that Jamaat is deliberately delaying the election process and actively attempting to cast doubt over its legitimacy.

Abul Hashem said the party’s strategies are inconsistent, sometimes advocating for proportional representation and at other times demanding a public referendum, while simultaneously fielding candidates in all 300 constituencies and campaigning vigorously day and night. He warned that Jamaat intends to use religion to sway voters and is preparing to control the electoral arena. He drew a parallel with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s alleged manipulation of administration during previous elections, stating that Jamaat seeks to follow a similar path.

The gathering, organised by Kotwali Thana BNP ahead of a public outreach campaign encouraging voters in Chattogram’s 9 parliamentary constituencies to support the Dhanshish (paddy sheaf) symbol, also emphasised the party’s 31-point plan for institutional reform. Party activists arrived in small processions following Friday prayers, and prayers were offered for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

After the event, Abul Hashem led a public outreach march from Lal Dighi, passing through Boxi Beat, Anderkilla Mor, and Cheragi Mor, concluding at the Press Club. Leaflets were distributed among passers-by, shopkeepers, and local residents. He strongly criticised Shahjahan Chowdhury as a descendant of collaborators during the Liberation War, accusing him of attempting to exert influence over police and administration. He added that BNP is closely monitoring Jamaat’s attempts to place loyalists in administrative positions and will not allow such individuals to participate in the elections.

The event was chaired by former Kotwali Thana BNP President Manjur Rahman Chowdhury, with former General Secretary Alhaj Zakir Hossain as organiser. Special guests included Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Joint Convenor Yasin Chowdhury Liton, former Joint Convenor Abdul Mannan, members Khorshed Alam and Ismail Bali, and others.