Election without comprehensive reforms undermines public trust: Jamaat leader Taher
He also warned that a hasty or poorly managed election would fail to meet people’s expectations.
Without full-scale electoral reforms, people will lose confidence in the upcoming national election, risking a return to authoritarian politics and undermining democratic aspirations, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher has warned.
"Without comprehensive reforms, suspicion will grow about the election, which will drag our politics back to its old authoritarian style," he told reporters after addressing a party programme in Cumilla city today (22 August).
He also warned that a hasty or poorly managed election would fail to meet people's expectations.
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Taher alleged that while reforms are being discussed, "a certain group within the reform committee" is seeking elections without full reforms. "If elections are held without proper reforms, it will pave the way for the return of fascism," he said.
Referring to the BNP, the Jamaat leader said, "BNP, Jamaat, NCP, Islamic parties, and other allies have reached consensus on necessary reforms, and we expect them [BNP] to play a positive role in implementing them before elections."
Taher also criticised the Jatiya Party, labelling it a "collaborator of Awami fascism."
He stressed that outside BNP, other opposition parties were working together to reach a consensus for an inclusive and fair election, making it clear that "Jatiya Party will not be part of this equation."
On the proportional representation (PR) system, Taher said those committed to democracy have a moral obligation to accept it, citing a recent survey indicating that 71% of the public supports PR.
He claimed that elections under the PR system would prevent autocracy and ensure credibility, unlike the traditional 54-year system, reports UNB.
Chaired by Kazi Din Mohammad, Cumilla city Jamaat Ameer, also prospective candidate for Cumilla Sadar-6, central leader and former Feni district Ameer Prof Liakat Ali Bhuiya, Cumilla city unit Nayeb-e-Ameer AKM Emdadul Haque Mamun, Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and Assistant Secretary Kamruzzaman Sohel, among others, spoke at the meeting
