Jamaat leader seeks clear roadmap on elections and reforms in meeting with CA

Following a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, has revealed that his party has sought clarity on two key issues: the timing of the upcoming national elections and visible progress on institutional reforms and justice.

Speaking to journalists at approximately 9:30 PM outside the official residence of the Chief Adviser, Dr Rahman emphasised the importance of transparency and concrete steps in the current transitional period, according to local media.

“We told him two things need to be made clear,” Dr Rahman said. “First, when exactly will the election take place? The election should be held within the timeframe you’ve outlined, but at a point where it won’t cause undue suffering to the public – a comfortable and reasonable time.”

“Secondly,” he added, “before the election, there must be some visible progress on reforms and accountability processes that people can witness. If we proceed to elections without concluding essential reforms, it will fail to meet public expectations.”

Dr Rahman acknowledged the limitations of the interim government’s mandate, saying, “Of course, not all reforms can be completed immediately. But they’ve begun work on five specific areas. These at least need to be satisfactorily resolved.”

In response to recent political developments and reports of adviser resignations, the Jamaat leader clarified that his party is not demanding anyone’s resignation. “We haven’t called for anyone to step down,” he stated.

The comments come amid growing calls from political groups and civil society for the interim administration to provide a clear path forward after the mass uprising in July 2024, which led to the fall of the previous regime and the formation of the current caretaker government.