Jamaat Amir warns: Those attempting election manipulation will have to flee

Speaking at the event titled “In Recognition of Service and Sacrifice: A Salute to Our Distinguished Veterans,” organized in honor of retired members of the armed forces, the Jamaat Amir said that the people no longer want elections like those in the past. He stated, “We do not want an understanding-based election. The understanding will be directly with the voters, not with any authority.”

Shafiqur Rahman said that if the conscious public remains united, no one can even think of manipulating the election. Even if someone plans such manipulation, they will not have an opportunity to implement it.

Emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election in national life, he said that the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 did not fall under a truly acceptable framework. He added that many citizens aged 35 to 36 have never had the opportunity to vote in their lifetime.

He stated that Jamaat-e-Islami wants an election where voters can go to polling stations without fear or obstruction. If a neutral voting environment is ensured, the election will naturally be free, fair, and acceptable.

Calling to make the election ‘iconic,’ Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the assurances given by the government and the Election Commission should not remain mere words; Jamaat wants to see their reflection in reality. He demanded CCTV cameras in every polling booth.

He also highlighted massive money laundering and corruption in the country, stating that proper use of these funds could make the election system safer and more transparent. Even if several hundred or thousand crore taka are spent, necessary technology should be used to ensure a fair election.

Emphasizing that the responsibility to ensure voting rights lies with the government and the Election Commission, he said the public will vote for whom they wish—but it is the state’s responsibility to create the environment for voting. He alleged that this environment has not yet been fully ensured.

He added that failing to properly execute responsibilities after taking them is not just negligence but also a violation of duty. Those unable to fulfill these responsibilities should step aside.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also spoke on the history of the Liberation War, stating that the declaration of independence was propagated through military personnel and this historical truth cannot be denied. He added that failing to properly recognize the contributions of individuals in the liberation war will prevent the nation from producing new heroes in the future.

Colonel (Retd.) Zakaria Hossain presided over and conducted the event. The welcome speech was delivered by Jamaat’s Dhaka-16 candidate Abdul Baten. Central leaders of Jamaat and several hundred retired army members were also present.