Islami Andolan Bangladesh on Wednesday issued a stern warning to the Election Commission (EC), saying it could face the same fate as its predecessors if it fails to deliver a free, fair and acceptable national election.
At a press conference, the party also unveiled a seven-point demand, which includes holding the upcoming polls under the proportional representation (PR) system and in line with the July National Charter.
“If you think you can’t deliver a free, acceptable and neutral election, then don’t take the risk because if you fail to hold such an election, you will face the fate of past Election Commissions. A towel might be around your neck and a rope tied to your waist—remember this reality before heading towards the election,” said Islami Andolan Joint Secretary General Mawlana Gazi Ataur Rahman.
Ataur Rahman was briefing reporters after his party’s four-member delegation, led by its secretary general Yunus Ahmad, met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban.
Raising his party’s demands, Ataur said, “Our main demand is that the next election be held in line with the July National Charter. We also want a proportional representation system in the Lower House to ensure that 100% of public opinion is reflected in the formation of parliament.”
He said Bangladesh’s elections over the past 53 years have been plagued by flaws in the electoral system. “We have said the PR system must be introduced in the upcoming national election so that every vote is valued, and the polls are free, neutral and peaceful. It is our basic demand.”
Islami Andolan calls for local polls before national election in its declaration
Ataur Rahman said they told the CEC not to announce the election schedule before the July Charter gets legal backing.
He said Islami Andolan observed that a level playing field is currently absent. “The CEC assured us that once the schedule is announced, law and order and the overall situation will come under the EC’s jurisdiction, and he will try to create a good environment,” he said.
“We said that if you (CEC) think you can hold a fair and acceptable election, then you hold the election,” he added.
Asked whether the election should be postponed, Ataur said, “We did not demand postponement. We want the election to be held, but in a manner that is free, fair and neutral—not controversial and one-sided.”
On the February election timeline, he said the election can even be held even in December, but the key is ensuring the proper electoral environment. “If it’s under the PR system, we have no objection to any date.”
“We will try our best so that the next election is based on PR. We want PR in the lower house. Whether it will be in the upper house or not is the next issue. First, there must be PR in the lower house....If there is no PR, it is difficult to hold a fair and impartial election here,” said Ataur Rahman replying to a question.
Islami Andolan Presidium Member Prof Ashraf Ali Akon readout his party’s seven-point demand before the reporters.
The demands include holding local government elections before the parliamentary election; holding all national and local elections in line with the reforms stipulated in the July National Charter; introducing proportional representation (PR) elections to ensure 100% public opinion is reflected in an effective parliament; and disqualifying Awami League and its allies from elections and cancelling their registration.
The demands also include disqualifying corrupt persons, terrorists, extortionists, land grabbers, tender manipulators and murderers from contesting elections; deploying the armed forces at every polling station, not just as a striking force; and providing proper training and guidance to election officials and law enforcement agencies to ensure responsible and impartial conduct.