Jamaat announces 12-day programme demanding polls under July Charter, PR voting system
Jamaat’s demands also include ensuring a level playing field in the upcoming polls, trial of those responsible for the July-August killings, and prosecution of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance, including Jatiyo Party.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a second phase of protests with a 12-day programme pressing a five-point demand, including holding the upcoming national election in February under the "July Charter" and introducing a proportional representation (PR) voting system.
The announcement came at a press conference in Dhaka today (30 September), where Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar outlined the programme.
From 1-9 October, the party will conduct mass contact campaigns to build public opinion in favor of its demands.
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On 10 October, rallies will be held in Dhaka and divisional cities, followed by submission of memorandums to deputy commissioners across the country on 12 October.
In addition to elections under the July Charter and a PR-based voting system, Jamaat's demands include ensuring a level playing field in the upcoming polls, trial of those responsible for the July-August killings, and prosecution of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance, including Jatiyo Party.
Speaking at the press conference, Porwar said, "Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on 15 September, presented a five-point demand before the nation, calling for a free, fair, and acceptable election in February under the July Charter and for ensuring the people's right to vote, so that Bangladesh may be transformed into a justice-based and accountable democratic state.
"At the same time, a three-day programme was announced to build a mass movement. People across the country participated in these programmes in large numbers. For this, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the nation and express our gratitude to the media."
"We have observed that no steps are being taken to implement the people's demands," he added.
The Jamaat leader further said, "Today, we state unequivocally that our five-point demand has already been recognised by the people as logical and acceptable. That is why the people have joined the movement with overwhelming support. The current government should immediately accept these demands of the people and arrange the 13th national parliamentary election in February under the July Charter.
Porwar warned that if the government ignores their demands the party will take tougher actions.
