Jamaat-e-Islami leader demands level playing field for Bangladesh local elections

Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Leader of the Opposition, has stated that his party will only participate in the upcoming local government elections if a level playing field is guaranteed. Speaking to journalists in Moulvibazar, Rahman expressed concerns regarding the fairness of the electoral process.

He specifically criticized the appointment of a retired officer with alleged ties to the BNP as an additional secretary to the Election Commission. Rahman also addressed reports that the Chief Whip suggested government funds would be withheld from areas where BNP candidates fail to win, characterizing such statements as a form of voter intimidation.

Rahman emphasized that the party seeks to defend people’s rights and ensure that representatives are chosen freely by voters. He warned that holding elections under conditions of partisan influence and intimidation would undermine the integrity of the polls.