Islami Andolan demands polls under July Charter; Communist Party (ML) claims new leadership

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh has demanded that the next national election be held in line with the July Charter, proposing electoral reforms including proportional representation (PR) voting.

"Our main demand is that the next election follow the July National Charter and a PR system in the Lower House to fully reflect public opinion," said Joint Secretary General Mawlana Gazi Ataur Rahman at a Dhaka press conference today (13 August).

Earlier, a four-member party delegation led by Secretary General Yunus Ahmad met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban, presenting a seven-point demand. 

Ataur stressed that PR elections are crucial to ensure every vote counts and that the polls remain free, neutral, and peaceful.

He also issued a stern warning to the Election Commission, cautioning that failure to deliver a fair election could result in the same fate as past commissions. "If you [CEC] think you cannot ensure a free, neutral, and acceptable election, don't take the risk," Ataur said.

Criticising the chief adviser's early announcement of the election date before finalising the July Charter, Ataur said it undermines national consensus. 

He added that Islami Andolan views the current electoral environment as uneven and lacking a level playing field.

The CEC, however, assured the delegation that law and order and overall poll conditions will come under the EC's control once the schedule is announced.

The party's key demands are holding local elections before parliamentary polls, implementing July Charter reforms, introducing proportional representation, barring the Awami League and its allies from contesting, and ensuring armed forces and trained officials are deployed at all polling stations to maintain impartiality.

Harun Chowdhury declares Communist Party (ML) leadership, calls for fair polls

In a separate meeting with the CEC thisafternoon, Harun Chowdhury claimed the presidency of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (ML), stating that former general secretary Dilip Barua's whereabouts are unknown. 

"I am the president. We don't know if Barua is abroad or in hiding, but he hasn't been arrested," he said. "Previously, the general secretary was the party chief, but now the president will hold that position. For various reasons, Dilip Barua has become controversial."

Chowdhury presented the party's new committee and restructuring, saying that during the party conference on February 7, some structural changes were made: the positions of president and general secretary were restored, and the president is now the party head.

The delegation also demanded a fair election with equal treatment for all candidates and an end to financial and political manipulation.