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Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad on Saturday said their party is not involved in any activities that threaten the election process.
He made the remark while speaking at a seminar titled ‘Use of Technology in Election Manifestos’ organised by Trace Consultancy, an IT related organisation, at a city hotel, UNB reports.
“We are proceeding positively. We are not, and never have been, involved in any activities that create unrest or threaten the election process. BNP is not willing to sit for talks with Jamaat, despite the latter’s call for dialogue. We don’t want politics to return to a fascist culture. However, if BNP calls for talks, we are ready to participate,” Azad said.
The Jamaat leader said, “Jamaat is not a pressure group, it represents people’s opinions and aspirations on the streets. We can accept differences in opinion, but not division. We expect the national election to be held in February, and we are moving forward with that hope.”
Azad described the proposed national referendum as an ‘acid test’ for the Election Commission, cautioning that holding the referendum and the national election on the same day could reduce voter turnout.
“In national elections, voters’ attention remains focused on parties and candidates. If both the election and referendum are held together, it could delay voting and prevent many from casting their ballots,” he said.
Referring to the implementation process of the July Charter, Azad said though the charter was signed with some notes of dissent, differences emerged only after the implementation process was presented.
He also criticised the Election Commission for `creating confusion’ over the timing of the referendum, saying, “Holding the referendum on election day could cause complications. The main focus of the national election should remain on victory, and any suspension of polling could create uncertainty regarding the charter.”
After the National Consensus Commission recommended the implementation of the July Charter, the BNP and Jamaat—once allies—took opposing stances over the timing of the referendum.
The interim government has urged the political parties to hold discussions and reach an understanding.