Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman here today expressed the apprehension that there would be an "election genocide" if the proposed referendum and national polls are held on the same day.
Talking to journalists after landing at the local parade ground in the city from a chopper, he also feared a crisis in the country if the next election is not held in time.
The Jamaat chief arrived in the port city to attend the annual mahfil of Al Jamiatul Islamia Madrasha and to attend a party a meeting on preparations for the next parliamentary election.
He said that a level-playing field is a must for the sake of free and fair elections, which do not yet exist. "But we have to have it as soon as possible," he added.
He said, "We are setting aside the topic of local government elections for now, as it is currently unfeasible."
We will only make demands that are prudent and justified. We do not want the victory of Jamaat-e-Islami but want people's victory. Holding a referendum on general election day will not be a wise decision, as we suspect an "election genocide" if it is held on the same day, he said.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman mentioned that Jamaat-e-Islami is open to electoral understanding with various parties and forces, even if they do not form an alliance.
He stated that Bangladesh is currently facing a pivotal moment in its history.
He stressed the importance of capitalising on the opportunity for positive change created by the historic July 2024 student mass uprising and said, "We have failed to make use of opportunities time and again due to lack of honest and visionary leadership, patriotism and sincerity."
Dr Shafiqur Rahman reiterated his party's stand in favour of the proportional representation (PR) system in elections, saying that Jamaat would introduce and implement it if it came to power in the future.
Replying to a query regarding the party's agendas for the nation, he said that they have many plans and priorities to work on.
He mentioned that they do not have time to engage in negative interactions or respond to any types of twisting by others, rather they have now focused on their own goals.
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