Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday expressed hope that the 13th national elections would be peaceful, fair, free from violence and occupation, and acceptable to all.
Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot at Monipur High School and College in the capital, he said his party would accept the election results if the polls were conducted in a free and neutral manner.
“We want results that come through a fair process. If the vote is free and impartial, we will accept the outcome. Others must also accept it. That is the beauty of democracy. This is what we want,” he said.
Dr Rahman added that after a long wait, people finally had the opportunity to vote. “Alhamdulillah, Allah has given us the chance to cast our votes today. I express my gratitude to the Almighty and pray that through this vote, Allah may initiate a new chapter for Bangladesh,” he said.
He noted that the youth, many of whom had never voted before, were eagerly awaiting the day.
Dr Rahman expressed hope that the election would lead to a government that belongs not to any individual, family or party, but to the country’s 180 million people. “We are optimistic about forming such a government. Pray for us,” he said.
He said he would visit other polling centres to monitor the situation nationwide. “We will ignore minor issues, but if there are any major irregularities, we will not let them pass. We will take necessary steps because we do not want people to lose their voting rights,” he added.
Calling for cooperation from all, he said the country belongs to everyone and must be built collectively. He also highlighted the role of the media, describing it as the fourth pillar of society.
“We want the media to stand beside us in building the country. We expect your support and goodwill. In the days ahead, Insha’Allah, we want to move forward together, shoulder to shoulder, in nation-building,” he said.
He urged voters, both men and women, to come out and exercise their franchise peacefully, safely and without fear.
“Everyone should come forward, exercise their rights and become proud stakeholders in building the state by fulfilling their responsibilities,” he said.
Referring to media reporting, Dr Rahman noted that the same news is sometimes presented differently by different outlets. “If anyone commits a crime, even if it is me, I am against wrongdoing. But turning something that is not a crime into one is also a serious offence. There are some malpractices in our country that should be avoided,” he added.
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