Bangladesh election to be among world's most closely watched this year: Jamaat ameer

Bangladesh's February-12 national election is expected to be one of the most closely watched polls globally this year, with international media monitoring not only the results but also the conduct of the electoral process, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said.

In a Facebook post, Shafiqur Rahman said global attention is focused on whether the election will be held in a free, fair and credible manner.

Outlining his vision for the country's political culture, he said he wants a Bangladesh where political debate is driven by policies and ideas, rather than muscle power, and where voters are able to exercise their franchise without fear or pressure.

The Jamaat Ameer said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is no longer a marginal political force, claiming the party has now emerged as a mainstream political actor. Through a free and fair electoral process, the party would accept and carry out whatever responsibility the people assign to it, he added.

Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party were elected to power, he would be prepared to work with all political parties in the national interest, with the aim of ensuring political stability and good governance.

He also said the public has the right to know whether the party's main political opponents would respect the people's verdict if they fail to win the election, play a constructive role in opposition, and continue to serve the country regardless of the outcome.