Jamaat calls on voters to exercise democratic rights as voting being held in festive atmosphere

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair today said voting is being held in a "beautiful, festive and joyful environment" for the first time, urging people to go to polling centres and exercise their democratic rights to elect honest and competent leadership for the country. "A vibrant and inclusive atmosphere is prevailing across the country as people from all walks of life are taking part in the election. The election has turned into a festival," he told a press conference this morning at the party's central office in Moghbazar. Zubair said that the government's declaration of a general holiday has enabled voters to go to polling centres spontaneously. Referring to media 
reports, he said a large number of voters-men and women, particularly youths-were seen standing in queues in an orderly manner in front of polling centres from 8:30am.

Describing the polls as significant, he said voting is being held in 299 parliamentary constituencies to elect 299 members of parliament, and results are expected by tomorrow. Alongside the parliamentary election, a referendum is also being held on what he termed an important reform proposal in the country's history.

Zubair called on voters to cast 'Yes' in the referendum, expressing hope that it would pave the way for establishing a welfare-oriented state system free from crises. "We firmly believe that people will give a decisive victory both in the parliamentary election and in the referendum," he added. The Jamaat leader said the party's Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman cast his vote at Monipuri High School centre around 8:30am and later visited different polling stations in the constituency to exchange views with voters and party agents. He also spoke to journalists at several locations.

Zubayer said the party's Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Sheikh Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Professor Mujibur Rahman and ATM Mazharul Islam, as well as Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, have also cast their votes in their respective constituencies. Other senior leaders, including Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Dr HM Hamidur Rahman Azad, also exercised their franchise. According to him, party leaders across the country visited polling centres, exchanged views with voters and spoke to media representatives.

"Considering all aspects, it appears that voting is taking place in one of the most festive environments in recent decades, with spontaneous participation of a large number of people," he said. He said the younger generation had previously witnessed allegations of irregularities, low voter turnout and uncontested elections, but this time  they are experiencing a participatory and festive election. "Our Gen Z, mothers and sisters are participating in large numbers," he said. However, Zubair alleged that the party received reports of incidents in some areas, including attacks on leaders and activists in Bhola and obstruction of polling agents. He also mentioned reports of unrest in Bhola-2 constituency and alleged that in some centres miscreants were creating disturbances.

He further alleged that in parts of Cumilla, Barguna and Noakhali's Hatiya, party agents and voters were facing obstruction and harassment. The party's central election management committee has communicated with the administration regarding the matter, he said. Zubair urged the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies and the administration to remain neutral and active to ensure a credible election. "People expect a fair and peaceful election. Those in responsible positions must not lean to any side and must discharge their duties properly," he said. He expressed hope that voter turnout would increase further in the remaining hours of polling.