In an exclusive interview with Samakal, Dr. Shafiqul Rahman, the Amir (leader) of Jamaat-e-Islami, discussed the party’s stance on the upcoming national elections, its call for reforms before the election, and the broader political situation in Bangladesh. Rahman emphasized that Jamaat does not want the elections to be delayed, warning that such a delay would lead to a situation beyond the government’s control. While Jamaat has advocated for reforms, it insists that these reforms should occur first, followed by the election process. The interview also delved into the historical context of the party’s actions during the 1971 Liberation War, its relationship with other political parties, and its prospects in the elections.
Reforms Before Elections
Dr. Rahman started by addressing the ongoing debate surrounding electoral reforms. He clarified that Jamaat-e-Islami had proposed a distinct roadmap for both reforms and elections. The party believes that reforms should take place before elections. “The people of this country expect fair elections, and we believe reforms are necessary to ensure that,” he said. However, Rahman emphasized that elections should not be delayed indefinitely, as the necessary reforms will take time to implement. “The government should work towards reforms while ensuring that the election process is not delayed for years. A balance is needed to avoid the long tenure of a government which can be detrimental to the nation’s welfare,” he added.
The Election Commission and Its Legitimacy
Regarding the composition of the Election Commission, Dr. Rahman expressed skepticism, noting that historically, under the ruling Awami League, the Election Commission had been appointed based on the preferences of the ruling party. While he acknowledged that the current Chief Election Commissioner’s name had been discussed by both the BNP and Jamaat, he questioned whether the new commission would be impartial. He pointed out that in the past, the Election Commission was influenced by the ruling party. “In previous instances, the election commission was formed with the input of the ruling party and its allies. Whether the current commission will act impartially is something we need to wait and see,” he said.
Awami League and Its Stance on Democracy
The conversation then shifted to the role of the Awami League in the upcoming election. Dr. Rahman expressed his doubts about the Awami League’s commitment to democracy. “The Awami League does not believe in democracy or elections,” he said, pointing to the party’s actions in the past. He noted that under Awami League’s rule, three elections were held, but none provided an example of a truly democratic process. He argued that if the Awami League were to prove its commitment to democracy, then the people of Bangladesh might consider them a legitimate political force. “If the Awami League proves that it is a democratic party, the people will take that into account when deciding their political future,” he added.
Accountability for Past Actions
Dr. Rahman was also asked about the accountability of the ruling party for its actions over the last 15 years, including allegations of corruption, extrajudicial killings, and other crimes. He responded that responsibility for such crimes lies with everyone involved, including the grassroots members of the Awami League who were part of the system. “Everyone, including the members of the Awami League at the local level, has some responsibility for the actions of the government,” he said.
He also addressed the issue of the role of Jamaat-e-Islami during the Liberation War of 1971, a time when the party had supported Pakistan’s position. Dr. Rahman stated that mistakes were made but emphasized that these were not crimes. He highlighted that Jamaat does not shy away from reflecting on its past mistakes, but he argued that Jamaat could not be solely blamed for the actions of the entire nation during that period. “No one is above mistakes,” he said. “What happened during 1971 was part of a larger historical context. Jamaat recognizes its mistakes, but it cannot be held solely responsible for the events of that time.”
Political Alliances and Future Strategy
On the subject of political alliances, Dr. Rahman addressed Jamaat-e-Islami’s relationship with other political parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He confirmed that Jamaat was no longer in an alliance with BNP since 2022, but the parties still maintained cordial relations. “Jamaat and BNP are no longer in an official alliance, but we do share common ground on several issues,” he said. When asked about the potential for future coalitions, Rahman emphasized that Jamaat’s primary concern was the democratic process and ensuring fair elections. He noted that once the political environment becomes clearer, Jamaat would decide whether to form alliances for the upcoming election.
Jamaat’s Position on the Next Election
Dr. Rahman was asked about the potential of Awami League’s involvement in the next election. He made it clear that Jamaat would welcome any party that believed in democracy and was willing to participate in a fair and free election. However, he reiterated his stance that the Awami League must first prove its commitment to democracy before being allowed to participate in the election process.
The Jamaat leader also emphasized that any delay in the election would exacerbate the political crisis and lead to a situation that the current government would not be able to manage. “Jamaat does not want the elections to be delayed. If elections are delayed for too long, the government will be unable to control the situation,” he warned.
The Role of Jamaat in the National Context
Dr. Rahman concluded the interview by reaffirming Jamaat’s commitment to participating in the democratic process and seeking necessary reforms for a free and fair election. He stated that Jamaat-e-Islami would support any political party that believed in democracy, but it would continue to advocate for reforms as a prerequisite for a legitimate electoral process. “Jamaat stands for democratic principles and will continue to work for a political environment where all parties can participate freely,” he said.
Conclusion
As the political landscape of Bangladesh continues to evolve, Jamaat-e-Islami’s position on the upcoming elections and its calls for reforms will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation. While the party remains committed to democratic principles, it also insists that reforms must precede the election process to ensure a level playing field. The coming months will likely see more discussions and debates as political parties prepare for the critical elections ahead. For now, Dr. Shafiqul Rahman and his party remain focused on their core belief in democratic integrity and fair participation for all.