Jamaat presses for PR, warns against repeat of ‘fascist-style’ polls
The programme was part of the party’s central announcement to press for implementing its five-point demand
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leaders today (19 September) warned that the Jatiyo Party and the 14-party alliance would face the same fate as the fallen "fascist regime" and cautioned against attempts to hold what they termed an "Awami-style" election.
At separate rallies in Barishal and Chattogram, along with other districts, the party reiterated its five-point demand, which includes holding the next national election in February based on the July National Charter and introducing the PR system in both houses of parliament in the upcoming election.
The other three demands are ensuring a level playing field for all for a free, fair and acceptable election; a visible trial of all oppression, killings, and corruption by the fallen fascist regime; and banning the activities of the Jatiyo Party and 14-party alliance, which it termed as collaborators of autocracy.
Speaking in front of the Barishal City Corporation premises, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Mujibur Rahman said, "People were deprived of their rights in previous elections. The next election must be free and fair. PR voting ensures the value of every vote. The people want it, and it is essential for a transparent and people-oriented election."
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He added that the Jatiyo Party and the 14-party alliance would ultimately meet the same fate as the ousted regime because of their past collaborations. Following the rally, a procession paraded through key streets of Barishal before returning to the venue.
In Chattogram, Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan told a rally near Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque that people would not accept an "Awami-style" election.
"We have taken to the streets to realise our demands. The interim government had promised to implement them. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had pledged to ensure visible trials of fascists and their collaborators, recover laundered money, and create a proper election environment," he said.
He alleged that while the current government is not partisan, some within it had aligned themselves with a particular party. "Just as the people resisted fascism, they will resist them too," he said.
Rafiqul also called for a referendum on the PR system, saying, "Let the people decide whether they are in favour of PR or not. If they accept PR, the interim government must also accept it. If they reject it, we will accept that too."
The rally in Chattogram ended with a procession that concluded at New Market intersection.
The party also held rallies in other districts, including Khulna and Rangpur.
Jamaat leader Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand led the rally in Khulna, according to media reports.
"Out of 31 parties, 25 are in favour of PR. Some in one party are saying what is PR. No political figure can say this. So hold a referendum to implement PR. Verify whether the verdict is in favour of PR or against it," he said.
Leading a rally in Rangpur, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, said that the days of ruling the country with brute force are over.
"Those who dream of staying in power for life by suppressing the opposition, those days are over. If you have the courage, hold a referendum. We respect the verdict of the people. You cannot just push something through with brute force and walk away—that will not happen," he said, according to media reports.
