Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday expressed the hope that the election would pave the way for forming a government that belongs to the country’s 18 crore people, not to any individual, family or party.

“Through this election, may such a government be formed that will not belong to any individual, family or party, but to the 18 crore people of the country. We are hopeful of forming such a government,” he said, seeking cooperation from all in building the nation together.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks after casting his vote at 8:15am at the Monipur High School (Boys’ Branch) polling centre in the capital’s Mirpur 60 Feet area.

The Jamaat leader arrived at the polling station around 8am and cast his ballot amid a calm atmosphere. Voters were seen arriving at the centre and forming queues to cast their votes.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the nation had been deprived of voting rights for nearly one and a half decades.

“For 15 years the people of this country could not vote, and neither could I. In 2014, 2018 and 2024, I was in jail and did not get the opportunity to vote. After missing those three elections, today, Alhamdulillah, Almighty Allah has given us the chance to vote. I express my gratitude to Him,” he said.

Jamaat Ameer casts vote at Monipur centre

The Jamaat chief said he believes not only he, but especially the youth who have never cast a vote in their lives, had been eagerly waiting for this election. He expressed hope that the vote would be peaceful, fair, free from violence and occupation, and acceptable to all.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said they would monitor the situation across the country, adding that minor incidents would be ignored but major irregularities would not be tolerated.

“We do not want people to lose their voting rights in any way. Whatever result comes through a fair vote, we will accept it, and others must also accept it. That is the beauty of democracy,” he said.

Responding to questions about reports of cash seizures from Jamaat leaders and activists in different places, he said media outlets are not presenting the same news in the same way.

“If anyone commits a crime, even if it is me, I am against that crime. But turning something into a crime by force when it is not, that is an even bigger crime,” he added.

After 17 years of waiting, the people of Bangladesh went to polls on Thursday for a historic national election.