No fair polls without reforms; PR system vital to reflect public opinion: Islami Andolan tells CA
Leaders of seven political parties held a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna today.
Without state reforms and justice for July atrocities, free and fair elections will not be possible, and without a proportional representation (PR) system, public opinion will not be reflected in polls, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Presidium member Ashraf Ali Akon told Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during a meeting today (2 September).
Speaking to reporters after the meeting held at State Guest House Jamuna, Akand said, "For the last 53 years, people's mandate has not been reflected. If elections are held in the same traditional way, the results will not represent public opinion."
The Islami Andolan leader also expressed concerns over law and order, saying, "The situation has completely deteriorated. There has been no improvement, and we raised this with the chief adviser."
According to him, the chief adviser noted down the issues and said that a vested quarter is conspiring against fair elections, which is why he had invited Islami Andolan to the meeting.
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On the issue of banning Jatiyo Party, Akand said, "Just as the Awami League has faced consequences, we demand a ban on both the Jatiyo Party and the 14-Party Alliance."
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Redwan Ahmed said the chief adviser had asked what steps could be taken for neutral elections. The LDP suggested several measures but noted that specific administrative arrangements have yet to be properly implemented.
"The idea of assigning police and administration through a lottery, as suggested by the home affairs adviser, is naive. Some areas are vulnerable and require careful transfers, which cannot be left to chance," he said.
He also said that there was no discussion about banning any political party or implementing PR, noting that experiences in Italy and Nepal suggest PR has not been entirely successful.
Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Joint Secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi said their delegation demanded restoring 'absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah' within the principles of the Constitution.
He highlighted the 2013 attacks on Hefazat members and the 2021 anti-Modi protests, calling for free, fair, and neutral elections and the removal of Awami League supporters from administration.
Gono Songhoti Andolon Chief Coordinator Jonayed Saki said the chief adviser sought advice on conducting free, fair, and festive elections. Saki emphasised that the government has not adequately restructured state institutions, creating operational difficulties.
He proposed forming an election-focused coordination committee including all parties represented in the Consensus Commission to maintain a neutral environment.
He also suggested that non-constitutional reforms agreed by political parties could be implemented through ordinances.
AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju spoke about the need for governmental control, authority, and stability to ensure credible elections.
He proposed forming a coordination committee at national, district, and sub-district levels and emphasised utilising experienced personnel, including former returning officers, possibly on a contractual basis, to manage elections.
Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan said he called for suspending registration and organisational activities of both the Jatiyo Party and the 14-party alliance, similar to actions against the Awami League.
A separate meeting was held with Gono Odhikar Parishad regarding the recent attack on its President Nurul Haque Nur. Nur's wife, Maria Akter Muna, said the chief adviser inquired about Nur's health and assured legal and medical support, including overseas treatment if needed.
"The chief adviser discussed government measures regarding the attacks and expressed deep concern. A judicial investigation committee is expected to be formed shortly," Rashed said
This afternoon, leaders of seven political parties held a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.
The parties that participated in the meeting were: AB Party, Nagorik Oikya, Ganosamhati Andolan, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Jatiyo Gonofront.
In addition, representatives of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh also took part in the discussion.
Among the parties, Nagorik Oikya and Jatiyo Gonofront did not brief the reporters after the meeting.
Earlier, on Sunday, the chief adviser held separate meetings with leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) at the same venue over the upcoming national election and the prevailing political situation in the country.
The head of the interim government in the meetings reaffirmed that the election will be held within first half of February next year.
