Jamaat-e-Islami's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher alleged on Sunday that a new group had replaced previous extortionist gangs, questioning how a government that cannot deal with crime would be able to ensure free and fair polls.
"I don't know whether the interim government has taken any action against them. This is not just the responsibility of a party, but also of the head of the government," the Jamaat leader said.
He made these remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting with Chief Adviser (CA) Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse, Jamuna.
The meeting was part of the CA's dialogue with three political parties on the upcoming national election and current political situation.
Taher said, "We told him (the CA) there is still time to make the right decisions to ensure a proper election. We also said it now seems the government has given up. You need to become tougher. Also, those fascist collaborators occupying various government positions must be removed immediately. We proposed a public referendum on adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) system. If the people want it, it should be implemented. If not, then not."
After the meeting, Taher said the CA had reassured them on three key issues, including reforming certain areas that repeatedly cast doubt on the credibility of elections. He also promised that the perpetrators behind the July Uprising would be brought to justice.
Referring to previous consensus meetings, the Jamaat Ameer said, "In those meetings, two or three parties usually expressed unconditional consensus. We saw democratic opinions were prioritised. But unfortunately, a few parties are currently obstructing the implementation of the consensus. They argue that the next elected government should implement the reforms. But if that's the case, why did we even reach a consensus here?"
"We are trying to implement reforms inspired by the spirit of the July Uprising, and the implementation must start now. That is the natural course," he added.
The leader continued, "So far, we've only achieved consensus. But legal backing and execution are being blocked by a few parties. If we fail to give legal legitimacy to July, it would be a betrayal of the martyrs' blood. We demand full implementation of the Charter of July, and elections must be held based on this charter."
He said the CA assured them that some trial proceedings related to the July Uprising would begin before the election.
"We told him that while all trials won't happen in a day, the process must continue. Alongside, a free, fair, and impartial election must be held."
Taher also criticised the announcement of the election date.
"Announcing an election date after consulting just one party is unprecedented. It clearly benefits one party."
He also criticised the July Declaration issued on 5 August, saying it wasn't formed through broad consultation or consensus.
"Some aspects were deliberately avoided by the interim government, making the declaration partial and biased."
Jamaat leader stated the government announced the election date under pressure.
"We have no objection to the date itself. But announcing it before implementing the July Charter was a mistake. One party got what it wanted and is happy; the rest of us, the major parties, are united in demanding the implementation of the July Charter."
He also reiterated Jamaat's support for the PR system, saying, "Out of the 31 parties that sat for consensus, 25 wanted PR. Both leftist and Islamist parties support PR. Others do too. Most parties want PR in the upper house. We want PR in both houses. Based on past election experiences, we believe a new system is essential. Otherwise, it'll be the same vote-rigging, centre-capturing election again."
Taher also commented on the recent clash in Kakrail between members of the Gono Odhikar Parishad and Jatiya Party, saying, "The attack on Nur is condemnable and unfortunate. Swift and strict justice must be delivered."
He again raised the issue of extortion, saying, "Previously one group extorted, now another group does. I don't know if the interim government has taken any steps against the occupiers. This isn't just a party matter- it's the responsibility of the head of government too. If a government can't punish extortionists, how will it manage such a big election and the threat of violence? We are concerned. We said there's still time. Right decisions must be taken to ensure a fair election."
The meeting with Jamaat was the first of three held on Sunday by the CA as part of his political consultations ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for mid-February.
Jamaat's four-member delegation was led by Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and included Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan, and Hamidur Rahman Azad.
National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan were also present at the meeting.
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