United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday expressed concerns over the environment surrounding the February-12 national election. “If the authorities remain indifferent, the chance for a free, fair and acceptable election will be lost,” he said while announcing his election manifesto at Khulna Press Club. He said the government still has seven days to recover illegal weapons, arrest terrorists and extortionists near polling centres, and stop the flow of black money, adding that this responsibility lies with the government, the Home Ministry and the Election Commission since the election schedule was announced.  Golam Parwar, a candidate from the Khulna-5 constituency (Dumuria–Phultala), said although the Election Commission and the head of the government have promised a free, fair and festive election, the actual situation is different. He alleged that candidates, party workers and voters are being attacked just a week before the election. “If this situation continues, people will not be able to go to polling stations without fear.” Jamaat Ameer vows to ensure security, rights of all, women safety Raising allegations of torture against women activists, he said women campaigning for the scales symbol are facing harassment, including having their burqas and face coverings pulled off. He also alleged physical assaults and attacks on pregnant women. He claimed that a video circulating on social media shows a political leader making derogatory remarks about women seeking votes. “This is not only political violence, it is a direct attack on women’s dignity,” he said, expressing fear about what such individuals might do if they come to power. Parwar also expressed serious concern over the safety of minority voters, and alleged that Hindu voters in different areas of the Khulna-5 constituency are being threatened with severe consequences if they vote for the scales symbol. In some areas, he claimed, former representatives of minority communities are being forcibly taken from their homes and compelled to work for a particular candidate. “This is not voting, but an attempt to impose a political position by force.” He said his campaign activities in Phultala and Dumuria were repeatedly obstructed. Scheduled meetings were disrupted, with chairs and tables broken in several places. In one area, he said, opposition supporters removed chairs before the meeting could begin, preventing it from taking place. AB Party candidate’s election office vandalised in Feni Although the incidents were reported to the police, he alleged that no arrests or legal action were taken. Parwar further claimed that a political party is distributing large amounts of illegal money in the Khulna-5 constituency. According to him, money is being delivered to households based on quotas set at upazila, union and ward levels. The Jamaat leader said the influence of black money is corrupting politics and warned that the election would become questionable if the administration fails to take effective action. Regarding law and order, he said that despite police stations having lists of known criminals, there has been no visible progress in recovering illegal weapons or arresting violent individuals. Parwar alleged a lack of coordination and sincerity between the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies. He said that out of 150 polling stations in the constituency, his party has identified 52 as risky. Parwar warned of possible voter intimidation, occupation of centres, ballot snatching and removal of advance ballots. He said a written list of these centres has been submitted to the administration, the Election Commission and relevant monitoring bodies.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has completed selecting candidates for contesting in all 300 constituencies in the upcoming national elections, announced the party’s secretary general and former MP Mia Golam Parwar on Friday. “Every Jamaat worker must now go on the ground and work with full strength,” he said. He made the remarks while addressing a reunion of former members of Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Khulna Metropolitan unit as a chief guest. The reunion was held at Al Faruk Society auditorium in Khulna. EC devises strategy to curb AI, social media misuse ahead of elections The Jamaat leader said it is high time to send the principles of deen into parliament. Those who were once involved in student politics must now become active again and play their role for the country. The reunion brought together ICS activists since 1977. Parwar recalled memories and contributions of late Shibir leaders, describing their sacrifices as ‘a shining chapter in political history.’ Shibir central secretary general Nurul Islam Saddam presented the keynote paper. The current president of ICS’s Khulna Metropolitan, Arafat Hossain Milon, presided over the event. Jamaat leaders Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Prof Mahfuzur Rahman also attended the reunion as special guests.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is gearing up for its first-ever rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday expecting a turnout of over 10 lakh people, aimed at creating ‘a bid political stir’ through what it calls a ‘quiet but significant’ public gathering. "This rally will be a historic turning point. We expect more than 10 lakh people will participate -- not just party activists but also general people who are demanding a change amid the country’s current political deadlock," Jamaat's secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said at a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday. He outlined the party’s preparations, plans and demands for the upcoming rally aimed at ensuring a ‘memorable public presence’ at a time when political debate and divisions among parties are intensifying. Jamaat leaders, including party Ameer and other senior leaders, are directly supervising organisational activities to mobilise supporters from Dhaka and across the country, said Parwar. Golam Parwar also said an implementation committee was formed to complete all the preparations where eight sub-committees were also formed. He called upon the law enforcement agencies and the government to cooperate in facilitating the event. Jamaat favours PR for upper house, reserved seats, referendum for critical changes in Constitution Golam Parwar also reiterated the party’s demand for a neutral caretaker government during the election period to ensure the democratic rights of people. Rally Buildup To make the rally a success, street rallies, meetings, and public outreach programmes are being organised every day across the country, party leaders said. "Our activists are going door to door across the country to spread the message of this rally," Golam Parwar said. To facilitate transportation for the massive turnout, the party has rented around 10,000 buses alongside trains and launches. Special route plans have been made for vehicles coming to Dhaka from various districts. 6,000 Volunteers The party has also taken steps to ensure order and discipline at the event. Legal basis needed for reforms before polls: Jamaat leader Taher More than 6,000 volunteers will be deployed to help maintain internal security, manage the crowd, and coordinate logistics during the gathering. Meeting with DMP To address issues related to law and order, transportation and safety, a seven-member Jamaat delegation met senior officials of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on July 15 afternoon. The meeting, presided over by DMP Additional Commissioner (Operations) Nazrul Islamb, discussed topics such as traffic control, parking arrangements, sound system installation and public safety.