Reforms must be completed by July, election by April: Jamaat nayeb-e-ameer

Reforms must be completed by July this year and the national election should be held by April next year, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said today (2 June).

Speaking to reporters after the National Consensus Commission's dialogue with political parties, he said consensus had been reached on many issues, and unresolved matters should be addressed later.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus presided over the dialogue held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka this afternoon.

Regarding the timing of the national election, Taher said, "We expressed our trust in the chief adviser. We hope for a fair election under his leadership. 

"While some parties preferred December, Jamaat proposed holding elections between December and April, arguing that May and June are not favorable due to weather conditions." 

He added, "We are not rigid about a specific date or month but a timeline within this window would help political parties prepare adequately."

The Jamaat leader also noted that a consensus has been reached on ensuring voting rights for over 1.1 crore expatriate Bangladeshis, urging the initiation of procedural steps to make this possible. 

Rejecting the idea of another controversial election, Taher said, "We do not want a farcical election like the past three. The playing field must be leveled well ahead of the polls, ensuring fair participation for all."

He called on other political parties to remain flexible regarding election dates and to focus on creating conditions that guarantee fair and inclusive polls.