Jamaat puts forward 41 reform proposals

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has put forward a comprehensive set of 41 proposals for state reform, including key changes to the judiciary, the abolition of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and police law reforms.

The party also called for increasing the age limit for government jobs to 35 years and raising the retirement age to 62, reports UNB.

The proposals were unveiled on Wednesday by Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher during a press conference at the Westin hotel in Dhaka’s Gulshan. Jamaat's Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, was also present at the event.

At the outset of his speech, Dr. Taher prayed for those who lost their lives during the July-August movement, calling on Allah to accept them as martyrs.

He accused the Awami League of establishing authoritarian control over the country, saying, "Awami League entrenched its power through dictatorship, capturing the administration, executive branch, and judiciary. Thousands of cases were filed to create a reign of oppression."

Dr. Taher emphasised the need for a separation between the judiciary and the executive branch. “To ensure justice, the judiciary must be reformed,” he said, adding that civil cases should be resolved within five years and criminal cases within three years.

Restoration of Caretaker Government and EVM Abolition

Jamaat-e-Islami also reiterated its demand for the reinstatement of the caretaker government system for national elections, accusing the Awami League of dismantling the electoral process.

"The ruling party destroyed the electoral system by abolishing the caretaker government," the party said, stressing the need for its permanent restoration and the cancellation of the EVM system.

Police Reforms and Accountability

The party also called for reforms in police laws, proposing the creation of an independent commission for transfers and promotions to eliminate political interference. Dr. Taher advocated for incorporating religious and moral education into police training and reducing the use of lethal weapons.

Reforms in Government Employment

On government employment, Jamaat proposed that job applications should be free of charge and that the maximum age limit for entry into government jobs be raised to 35 years for the next two years and then set permanently at 33 years, with retirement at 62. The party also demanded the cancellation of appointments obtained through leaked examination papers or corruption. Strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to operate independently was another key recommendation.

Term Limits for Prime Ministers

Jamaat proposed a two-term limit for anyone holding the office of Prime Minister, advocating for a balance of power between the Prime Minister and the President.

Cultural and Educational Reforms

The party also suggested reforms in the cultural and educational sectors, recommending the inclusion of teachings about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in all levels of education. They further called for the elimination of obscenity in films, television dramas, and digital content.

Foreign Relations and Hajj Costs

On foreign policy, Dr. Taher emphasized the importance of fair and balanced relations with neighboring countries, particularly on shared rivers with China, Nepal, and India. Jamaat also urged the government to take effective steps to reduce the costs of Hajj and Umrah for pilgrims.

Accountability for Genocide

Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman demanded that those involved in genocide who had fled the country be brought back and tried in court.

Election vs. Reform: Jamaat’s Roadmap

When asked about the sequence of elections and reforms, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that there would be two roadmaps—one for reforms and one for elections. He emphasized that neither process should be excessively long or rushed, noting, “There are many political parties in the country. For a vibrant parliament, the public must vote for the right candidates, not just the party.”