Jamaat to form nat’l govt even if it wins 200 seats: Ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar claimed on Monday that the current law-and-order situation is not favourable to provide a level playing field for the upcoming election.

"The election commission (EC) must take necessary steps to address the issue," he told the media after meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin.

Mr Parwar said that the nation is expecting a free, fair, and impartial election.

"To ensure this, there is a need to deploy the BGB and the army for polling center security," he maintained.

He said that his party has demanded the installation of CCTV cameras at polling stations and a crackdown on illegal weapons.

He further said that his party (Jamaat-e-Islami) also sought clarity from the EC regarding its stance on the election schedule and insisted on seeing effective action to recover illegal arms.

"We have discussed simplifying the voting process for expatriates and stressed the need for CCTV surveillance at polling centres," he mentioned.

"We want to know the EC's clear position before the schedule is announced. We hope this election will not mirror the previous three. It must be free, fair, and impartial." Mr. Parwar said.

UNB adds, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said his party intends to form a national government if it comes to power, even if it secures 200 parliamentary seats independently, aiming to safeguard national interest and ensure political stability.

He made the remarks while briefing reporters after paying a courtesy call on European Union Ambassador Michael Miller in Gulshan.

Ambassadors and diplomats at the meeting also included Swedish Ambassador Nicholas Wicks; Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen; German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz; Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro; French Deputy Head of Mission Frédéric Inza; Dutch Deputy Head of Mission Thijs Woudstra; EU Deputy Head of Mission Baiba Zarina; and Sebastian Rieger Braun, First Secretary at the EU Delegation.

During the meeting, EU representatives asked about issues including the Rohingya crisis, public security, the party's election manifesto, and its 100-day plan after assuming office. In response, the Jamaat chief assured them that his party would work to build an 'inclusive Bangladesh', if elected.

"We will not exclude any political party. A national government is essential for the next five years to restore the economy, ensure stability, establish the rule of law, and curb corruption," he said.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com