Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naib-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has said that a national referendum could act as the “test match” for the upcoming national election, urging the government to hold it by November and the election by February based on the July Charter.
He made the remarks while addressing a massive 20-kilometer human chain organized by Jamaat-e-Islami from Jatrabari to Aminbazar in the capital on Tuesday. The program was arranged to press for five major public demands, including legal recognition of the July Charter and election reform through the Proportional Representation (PR) system.
Dr. Taher warned that if any advisors to the interim government work to implement a political party’s agenda instead of public interests, their names would be exposed. “If the government refuses to hear the people’s voice, they will make themselves heard in a language the government understands,” he said, stressing that Jamaat believes in peaceful movements but would not hesitate to respond if provoked.
He listed the party’s five-point demands as:
- Legal recognition of the July Charter,
- Election of both houses of parliament through the PR system,
- Ensuring a level playing field for free and fair elections,
- Visible justice for oppression, killings, and corruption, and
- Banning the 14-party alliance, including the Jatiya Party.
Dr. Taher alleged that the administration has been filled with partisan officials to conduct a “mock election.” He urged the Chief Advisor to remove politically loyal figures from key posts, warning that otherwise, “your credibility will be at stake.”
He also accused a major political party of corruption and violence even after losing power on August 5, saying, “A party that hasn’t returned to office has already started its downfall in people’s minds.”
Calling the referendum essential before the national election, Dr. Taher said it would expose those attempting to create unrest. “Those who want both votes on the same day have ill motives,” he said.
The event was presided over by Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul, Ameer of Dhaka South, and conducted by Dr. Rezaul Karim, Secretary of Dhaka North. Several Jamaat leaders and representatives from like-minded political groups were also present.
[ Peace News ]