Jamaat will form a national govt with all parties, even if it wins a majority, says its Ameer Shafiqur

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today said they deeply feel that a national government is necessary for at least five years to restore the country's stability and economy, establish the rule of law, and eradicate corruption from society.

"If elected, we will form this government. We will expect just two things from those who would join this government. We will expect that no one engages in corruption, nor shows leniency towards corruption in any form. And secondly, they must not interfere in ensuring equal justice for all," he told journalists after a high-level meeting with an EU delegation at the EU embassy.

He added that Jamaat is willing to form a government with those who agree to these two minimum conditions.

Jamaat will form a national government with all political parties, even if it wins a majority in the upcoming 13th national election, said the Jamaat leader.

"In the interest of the country -- even if we, by the will of Allah, win 200 seats -- we will still form such a government, In sha Allah," he added.

"We told them [the EU delegation] that if we are elected by the will of Allah and through the people's support, we will build an inclusive Bangladesh, In sha Allah. We will not exclude any party," he said.

The Jamaat chief also spoke about allegations that the party is using religion in election campaigns.

"We work with religion; we do not use religion for political gains," he said. "You know better who actually uses religion -- those who suddenly start praying more during elections, who put on caps, and carry prayer beads."

He also said there was no scope for deferring the election.

"We believe the election must be held within the declared February timeline. Any deviation from it will severely harm the country. And we do not want the country to be harmed by anyone," he added.