Jamaat seeks level playing field, calls for equal security for party chief
Taher added that Jamaat has no objection if others receive additional security, but as a major political party, its chief should get the same treatment
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded equal security and protocol for its Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, similar to other top political leaders, to ensure a level playing field in the election.
Referring to BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, Jamaat said the extra security and state protocol given to some party leaders violates the election code of conduct.
Speaking at a press briefing after a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today (18 January), the party's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Md Taher said that in the past two to three weeks, one party leader has been receiving excessive security and protocol from the government and administration. This, he said, undermines a level playing field in the election.
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He added that Jamaat has no objection if others receive additional security, but as a major political party, its chief should get the same treatment. Otherwise, the nation may hold the election commission responsible for bias.
Taher said the chief adviser expressed surprise at the allegation and assured that equal treatment had been instructed. The party requested that any obstacles preventing this be identified and addressed.
Jamaat also raised other election and law and order demands, including installing CCTV cameras at every polling centre, keeping armed forces, police or RAB outside booths, and ensuring transparency in nomination selection without bias.
The party alleged bias by some district commissioners and police superintendents at the field level. Taher said Jamaat has prepared a list of biased officials and will provide it to the election commission and chief adviser if needed.
