Alleging attacks on party activists across the country, Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday vowed not to leave the field on election day under any circumstances.
“We, the Jamaat, will stand firm against terrorists at every polling centre, together with the people, and ensure a fair, acceptable and peaceful election. For this, we will need the cooperation of the media,” said Ahsanul Mahbub Zubair, assistant secretary general of Jamaat, speaking to reporters at the Election Commission’s headquarters in Dhaka’s Agargaon in the evening.
Earlier, around 4:00pm, a delegation from the 11-party electoral alliance, including Jamaat and the NCP, met with the chief election commissioner.
Following the meeting, Zubair, also chief of the party’s central publicity and media department, said, “This nation drove out terrorists and fascism on August 5, 2024, and the country was freed. The country will not bow its head again.”
He alleged that Jamaat activists are facing attacks in various parts of the country, including assaults on election offices, while body-worn cameras at polling centres have not been consistently installed.
“Jamaat expects the Election Commission to address these complaints effectively; otherwise, a free, fair and acceptable election will not be possible,” he said.
He cited specific incidents, saying, “Yesterday in Sylhet’s Moulvibazar-1 constituency, when Jamaat’s election steering committee president Abdur Rahman and other officials were returning home, they came under attack by terrorists.”
Zubair also alleged that in Sirajganj, law enforcement officials publicly announced Jamaat leaders’ names via loudspeakers, calling for their arrest. He added that Jamaat election agents have been targeted in Netrakona, Manikganj, Barishal and Patuakhali.
“In the Dhaka-15 constituency yesterday, 12 election camps were set on fire. Attacks like these naturally raise questions about the accountability of those responsible for law and order,” he said.
Pointing to the BNP, Zubair claimed, “A group of people, believing they lack popular support, are using various tactics to undermine our party’s dignity, honour and public standing.”
He also alleged that in Cumilla-4, a political leader issued threats, warning that those who do not vote for them would face physical harm and property destruction. “This is a clear criminal offence,” Zubair said.
He added, “We have requested the Election Commission to take immediate action. EC members have assured us that they are investigating.”
“If anyone is trying to sabotage or discredit what should be a festive election, including elements hiding within law enforcement, they must be identified and brought to justice,” he said.
