Jamaat Ready for December Polls If Nation Is: Shafiqur

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has no objection to participating in elections in December if the nation is fully prepared, said the party’s Amir, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, during a press conference at a hotel in the capital on Tuesday. Responding to questions about the BNP’s demand for elections by December, Shafiqur said, “If a level playing field is ensured and the nation is ready for a fair election with all necessary preparations, Tyre completed, we are ready to participate. The timing – whether December or earlier – doesn’t matter if the conditions aren’t met.”

On the issue of legal action regarding the party’s deregistration, he said, “We have no plans to pursue legal action at this time, but we will consider it.” Regarding confidence in the Election Commission, Dr Shafiqur remarked, “We want to give the Election Commission time to prove themselves through their actions. Currently, there’s little activity beyond the Union level under the Ministry of Local Government, which is causing public suffering. Local elections should be held soon to allow the Election Commission to demonstrate its capabilities.”