Elections under PR system most appropriate now, Jamaat’s Taher tells Suhrawardy rally
People won't join elections without a level playing field, Jamaat leaders say
Highlights:
- Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur collapses on stage mid-speech at rally
- Leaders of Jamaat, other parties call for a level playing field
- Families of July martyrs and injured demand swift trial, immediate declaration of July Charter
- Mujibism must be crushed, Sarjis tells Jamaat rally
- Supporters arrived early, many camped overnight
- The rally focuses on national unity and upcoming elections
- Traffic heavily disrupted across Dhaka
- Jamaat apologises for public inconvenience
Elections under the proportional representation (PR) system are the most appropriate method in the current political context, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Mohammad Taher said at the party's Suhrawardy Udyan rally today (19 July).
Addressing the rally, Taher emphasised that only a PR-based election can truly reflect the will of the people and ensure meaningful representation in parliament.
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"Today's massive rally proves that the people are ready to reclaim their rights. The July Charter must be declared, and those elected by the people should take it forward in parliament," said the Jamaat leader.
Addressing the rally, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, "Today's ocean of people is a storm of protest against years of injustice. Jamaat-e-Islami is the most persecuted political party in Bangladesh."
He also stated that their party chief has personally visited the families of those martyred in the July movement. "We've reached out to all, regardless of party or ideology."
He went on to say, "We demand the next election be held under the PR system. A level playing field must be established to ensure a fair democratic process."
Party Nayeb-e-Ameer Mujibur Rahman said, "We want Bangladesh to be governed by the laws of Allah, not by man-made laws. Today's Bangladesh is plagued by extortion. We envision a country where such corruption no longer exists and lives are not destroyed by it."
Meanwhile, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman collapsed on stage mid-speech during the party's national rally around 5pm.
Other party leaders rushed to his aid within moments and helped him stand up. With The Jamaat chief then proceeded to continue his speech, while assuring everyone that he was alright.
'People won't join elections without a level playing field'
Dhaka North Jamaat Amir Mohammad Selim Uddin said, "Jamaat-e-Islami does not believe in any election that will drag Bangladesh back by 50 years. We are not afraid of elections. But if there is any attempt to manipulate or show bias, the July movement participants will resist."
Dhaka South Jamaat Ameer, Nurul Islam Bulbul, emphasised, "Without a level playing field, the people of this country will not participate in elections. We demand elections under the PR system—there is no alternative. And the trial of the July massacre must be made visible."
Barrister Najibur Rahman, son of Matiur Rahman Nizami, said, "The Indian hegemonic forces had planned to eliminate Jamaat from this country. Where is that fascism now? Today, it is that same fascism that weeps. We demand the trial to begin without further delay."
Govinda Chandra Pramanik, secretary general of the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance, said, "I urge you to come with Jamaat. Proportional Representation (PR) elections should be held. Jamaat is not just a political party—it is a university."
Families of July martyrs and injured demand swift trial, immediate declaration of July Charter
At the rally, the general secretary of the July Victims' Family Society said, "It has been a year since the mass uprising, and yet not a single trial has begun under this government. If two 2,000 policemen are involved in 2,000 killings, have any of them been arrested?"
Abul Hasnat, vice president of the July Memorial Family, and father of martyr Shahriar Hasan Abid, said, "In the name of a trial, we are being mocked—we are being used as an excuse. We ask this government: why has it taken a full year to issue the July Proclamation? It must be issued within this month."
Md Ramzan Ali, elder brother of Shaheed Abu Sayed, said, "Have we been able to hold such a rally in recent years? If we cannot restore this environment in the country, then give our brothers back. We demand justice for our martyred siblings before the upcoming election."
Barkatullah, father of Shaheed Abrar, said, "I have not seen any real trial in the past five years. The blood of our martyrs must not go in vain."
Mohammad Zakir Hossain, father of martyr Faisal Alam Shanta from Chattogram, said, "I am not sad. I am proud that my son became a martyr."
Ensure transparency in governance, no election without a level playing field: Nur
Gano Adhikar Parishad Member-Secretary Nurul Haque Nur said, "For the past 16 years, Allah tested our patience, but due to our perseverance, we were set free [from autocracy] on 5 August. However, Allah also warns that those who cross the line will be punished."
He called on the government to ensure transparency in governance and not proceed with elections without a level playing field.
"We also demand timely local government elections and elections for all student unions, including Ducsu. The July Charter should be announced from Suhrawardy Udyan with the consensus of all," he said.
Several people were injured during the rally and were taken to a primary medical centre by volunteers for immediate treatment.
The rally's proceedings started at around 10am with cultural programmes, including Islamic songs. The main programme started at around 2pm with recitation from the Holy Quran.
The party's Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman is presiding over the rally. He is expected to urge unity based on the Jamaat's seven-point demand, which includes holding national polls under a proportional representation (PR) system and justice for victims of last year's massacres during the July-August mass uprising.
Supporters began arriving on Friday night, travelling by buses, trains, and launches.
Many camped overnight to secure spots near the stage. Jamaat leaders said around 210 buses from Narail alone were headed to the capital.
Md Roknuddin, a Jamaat activist from Narail, told The Business Standard, "I arrived a day early because it will be tough to stay near the stage on the rally day. After 15 years of oppression and persecution, I never imagined we would be able to hold such a rally. This is a highlight of my political life."
Jamaat announced in a press conference on Thursday that it had invited leaders from various political parties, including the BNP, National Citizen Party, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, to attend its rally.
When contacted, Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of BNP's media cell, said that no one from the BNP would be attending Jamaat's rally.
Asked whether BNP had actually received an invitation, he replied, "I have no information on that."
Meanwhile, Jamaat has said that this is the largest solo political gathering in its history, estimating over one million attendees after nearly a month of preparations.
While Jamaat had previously participated in joint rallies at Suhrawardy Udyan alongside the BNP, this marks its first major solo political demonstration at the historic venue.
Jamaat is positioning the rally as a prelude to the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, calling for "national unity" and the establishment of a "welfare state."
Its seven demands are: ensuring a level playing field for free, fair, and peaceful election; holding trial of all genocides including July genocide; ensuring necessary fundamental reforms; implementation of the July Charter and Declaration; rehabilitation of the families of those martyred and injured in the July mass uprising; holding national elections through the PR system; and making voting arrangements for over one crore expatriates Bangladeshis.
To accommodate the massive turnout and ensure basic services, organisers have deployed 6,000 volunteers and set up over 500 temporary toilets, 1,000 water taps, 15 medical booths, ablution spaces, designated parking areas, and thousands of chairs.
They have also installed hundreds of loudspeakers and 33 LED screens across the venue.
Despite the party's logistical efforts, media correspondents on the ground noted signs of discomfort among participants due to the scorching heat. Several individuals reportedly fell ill, and many were seen resting under trees in Ramna Park.
Across Dhaka, Jamaat activists entered through various city entry points, causing major traffic disruptions in areas including Shahbag, Matsya Bhaban intersection, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, and surrounding roads.
However, in most locations, activists were seen leaving one lane open for traffic as they marched in processions.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Tejgaon Traffic Division Deputy Commissioner Rafikul Islam told TBS, "Vehicle movement on the expressway is higher than on other holidays. Besides, there is some congestion on the Moghbazar to Mohakhali route."
Buses transporting supporters were seen parked along major roads, including Manik Mia Avenue, Khamarbari, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar and Eskaton, adding further pressure to the city's traffic.
Meanwhile, the party has publicly apologised for any traffic congestion or inconvenience caused by the gathering.
