Jamaat chief rejects “fraud” claims over referendum process

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said his party will support the government on all “just causes” while strongly opposing injustice and any actions that undermine people’s rights.

He made the remarks on Friday while speaking at the District and Metropolitan Ameer Conference of the party at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka. He said the party’s position on public interest issues was clear, adding: “We will support the government on all just causes, but will stand as a barrier in case of injustice and any actions that deprive people of their rights, wherever they occur.”

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami rejects what he described as “deception and fraud” surrounding the referendum. He urged the government to accept the verdict of the referendum and said the party would extend full cooperation in its implementation.

He also criticised the post-July political transition, alleging that the interim government had failed to ensure a credible and acceptable transfer of power through elections. He questioned the credibility of the most recent parliamentary election, claiming it had been “engineered” and did not reflect public expectations.

The Jamaat leader raised concerns over governance, alleging politicisation in key sectors, rising prices of essential goods, energy shortages and growing public hardship.

He reiterated that Jamaat would continue to work with the public and raise concerns both inside and outside parliament.

Senior party leaders, including nayeb-e-ameers, the secretary general, assistant secretaries general, members of the central executive council and district and metropolitan leaders, attended the conference.