Jamaat wants fair polls with people’s participation, not AL: Jamaat leader Taher

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher has said the party wants sustainable democracy and a fair, acceptable and participatory election for the people of Bangladesh.

He, however, clarified that a participatory election does not mean one involving the Awami League but rather to ensure broad participation of the people.

Taher said Bangladesh will not revert to its past political state because the country's 40 million young people want positive changes. "We have to move forward by respecting the sentiments of the youth in politics and governance. Otherwise, July will return again and again with the help of the youth," he warned.

He was speaking at an event titled "NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis" in New York yesterday (27 September) evening.

Taher described the presence of political stakeholders during the Chief Adviser's visit as a positive example.

"I am very happy, excited and grateful to the Chief Adviser for this," he said, adding, "Can't we be united on some issues in the interest of the country?"

He also noted that Bangladeshi students and professionals abroad are achieving remarkable success.

"We have that capability. But the crisis of trust at home, lack of discipline in the service sector, and corruption remain big problems. If these can be addressed, Bangladesh will emerge as a true 'Tiger' in the world," he said.

The Jamaat leader stressed that there can be no compromise on Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty.

"We want to build a welfare state for the people. Our foreign policy is committed to establishing relations with other countries, including our neighbours, based on honesty, equality, dignity, and mutual respect," he said.

Taher emphasised that equal rights will be ensured for all, regardless of gender, majority or minority status, political affiliation, or religious belief, promising "no discrimination among the people of Bangladesh."

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus attended the event as chief guest.

BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, Jamaat US spokesperson Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, and NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen spoke.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun also delivered remarks.