Shafiqur invites Tarique for live public discussion on manifestos

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has invited BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to join him on a public platform for a live discussion, where both leaders would present their respective election manifestos before the nation.

In a Facebook post today (6 February), Shafiqur wrote, "Now that you [Tarique] have launched your plan, I invite you to join me on a public platform for a live discussion, where we can present our respective manifestos to the nation and let the people decide."

Calling for a new political culture, the Jamaat ameer said, "Let us begin a new chapter for Bangladesh, where we all commit to respecting the will of the people."

He stressed that political legitimacy can only come through a credible electoral process. "Legitimacy comes only from a free and fair election. Without fairness and public trust, no result can command the confidence of the people," reads the post.

Referring to the July Uprising, Shafiqur said political leaders owe it to young people to demonstrate that politics can be civil and non-confrontational.

"Let us stand before the media and public scrutiny and set the standard for future governance which is open to criticism, accountable and transparent," he added.