Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today (8 December) announced the party’s intention to form a government with anyone who will stand against corruption and ensure equal justice for all, a decision he stated would hold even if the party secures 200 seats.
“Jamaat practices the politics of the people, not for any individual or party,” Shafiqur said while speaking to journalists after a courtesy call on ambassadors and representatives of several countries at the European Union (EU) Embassy in Dhaka.
The Jamaat chief stressed that his party’s goal is to build an “inclusive Bangladesh” and will not exclude any party from governance. He emphasised that if Jamaat comes to power, the country would achieve stability, economic recovery, and the establishment of the rule of law within the next five years.
Speaking on the coalition of like-minded parties, the ameer-e-Jamaat set forth two core requirements for forming a government: first, a commitment not to engage in or tolerate corruption; and second, ensuring equal justice for all, free from political interference.
“We are interested in forming a government with those who agree on at least these two issues,” he stated.
Additionally, Shafiqur Rahman emphasised the urgency of holding the parliamentary election as scheduled, cautioning that the country would plunge into a “deep crisis” if the polls are postponed beyond February next year for any reason.
He called on all parties to unite for the country’s sake and future.
During the meeting, he said the EU representatives inquired about the party’s readiness for the election and whether combining the general election and the referendum on the same day would cause any issues.
The Jamaat chief advised against the simultaneous voting, stating, “Our people are not very aware of this process, so there may be chaos during the election. That’s why we suggested that the two elections should be separate. The government [interim] can still do that if it wishes.”
Regarding the use of religion in politics, he claimed that Jamaat works with religion but never uses it for political gains. He asserted that those who engage in “religion peddling” are the ones seen “roaming around with prayer beads (Tasbih) during the election period.”
When asked whether Khaleda Zia’s illness posed a political crisis, he responded, “Health and sickness depend on Allah. The people of the country are offering their prayers for her health with respect. But I will die as well and everyone must depart someday. The functioning of society should not become stuck or paralysed because of this.”