Jamaat demands PR voting system

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday announced its seven-point demand, including the introduction of proportional representation (PR) voting system at the next general election.

Their other demands include ensuring justice for July uprising victims, official recognition of the "July Declaration", rehabilitation of the families of those killed or injured during the July movement, essential reforms to the state, ensuring a level playing field for all political parties, and voting rights for expatriate Bangladeshis. The demands came at its first-ever rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.

While addressing thousands of its activists and supporters, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, "What kind of Bangladesh do we want next? One fight was against fascism, the next will be against corruption." He promised that Jamaat would lead a united struggle against corruption by mobilising the support of the youth.

He said that if Jamaat wins the election and forms the government, no member of parliament or minister would be allowed to accept government plots, use tax-free vehicles, or handle public funds personally.

During his speech, he fainted twice due to the extreme heat but resumed speaking after short breaks. He added that if MPs or ministers receive funds for specific projects, they must publicly inform all 180 million citizens of the spending once the work is completed.

He said he was speaking not as the party's leader but as a fellow citizen. "I am a friend to children, a brother to the youth, a companion to the elderly, and a brother to my sisters. I am here for their liberation," he said.

Referring to his physical struggle to speak in the sweltering heat, Shafiqur said, "Even though my body did not respond, it was Allah's will that I could still speak." He clarified that their movement was not for any elite group, but for ordinary people like cleaners, tea garden workers, rickshaw pullers, and farmers.

He also demanded justice for victims of several political killings, including the October 28, 2006 incident, the Paltan killings, the Shapla Chattar crackdown, and the Pilkhana tragedy.

Challenging the existing system, Shafiqur asked, "If the old system continues, why did people sacrifice their lives? Bring their lives back if you can. You can't. So we must build a new system and a new Bangladesh."

Jamaat's Naeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Mohammad Abdullah Taher said a number of people oppose the PR voting system because it prevents illegal control of polling stations and stops vote-buying. He claimed that after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-government on August 5, 2024, people demanded reforms-and those still exist. Most political parties, including Jamaat, support such reforms, but those who oppose them have evil intentions.

Dr. Taher also reiterated that Jamaat does not approve of any form of terrorism or extremism. He emphasised the need for PR voting system which, he says, ensures fair elections.

The party's official programme started at 2:00 pm, with thousands of party activists from different parts of the country crowding the venue. Leaders from other political groups, including Sarjis Alam from NCP and Nurul Haque Nuru from Gana Odhikar Parishad, also joined the event.

Supporters arrived in large procession, carrying banners as well as placards and chanting slogans in favour of their demands. The massive turnout filled Suhrawardy Udyan, surrounding roads, and even parts of Ramna Park. Due to the large gathering, traffic in the area came to a halt, and many people had to walk to reach their destinations.

Earlier in the day, the first phase of the rally began at 9:40 am with a cultural programme. Members of Jamaat and its student body, Islami Chhatra Shibir, participated in the performance, marking the beginning of a significant political gathering.