Jamaat raises election concerns in meeting with Commonwealth Observer Group
The party expressed concern that Jamaat leaders and activists are facing obstacles while conducting campaign activities in various areas.
A meeting between a delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the Commonwealth Observer Group was held yesterday at Hotel InterContinental in the capital, focusing on the upcoming national election and the overall electoral environment.
The Jamaat delegation was led by Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim and included Zubair Ahmed, Barrister Saif Uddin Khaled, Jamaat-e-Islami Women's Wing Secretary Nurunnisa Siddika, and Daffodil University faculty member Engineer Mardia Momtaz.
At the outset of the meeting, Maulana Abdul Halim conveyed greetings to the Commonwealth delegation on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, said a press release.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The Commonwealth Observer Group, led by former president of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo, is currently in Dhaka to observe the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for 12 February.
As part of its mission, the group is holding meetings with the Election Commission, political parties, and other stakeholders to exchange views on the electoral process, rule of law, neutrality, and transparency, with the aim of ensuring credible observation and providing an independent assessment.
During the meeting, the Jamaat delegation said that the party has been extending full cooperation to the government and the Election Commission in the ongoing election process. However, they expressed concern that Jamaat leaders and activists are facing obstacles while conducting campaign activities in various areas.
They particularly alleged that Jamaat women activists and polling agents have been subjected to harassment, including repeated attacks, physical abuse, and incidents of mobile phones being forcibly taken away.
The delegation also claimed that election workers in many places have faced intimidation, threats, and violence.
The Jamaat representatives further said that there are growing security risks to candidates' election offices, residences, and campaign workers during the election period. They expressed apprehension that their opponents may attempt to create unrest and carry out attacks using known criminal elements.
Stressing the need for a level playing field, the delegation urged steps to improve the law-and-order situation, prevent the use of illegal arms, and stop the misuse of muscle power to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.
