"No Level Playing Field; Role of Some Advisors Questionable": Golam Parwar

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has alleged that a level playing field has not yet been ensured ahead of the upcoming national election. He also held several advisors of the interim government responsible for this situation.

The remarks came during a rally and procession organized by Jamaat-e-Islami's Dhaka North and South city branches after Jumu’ah prayers on Friday (October 10) at the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The program was part of a campaign to press five key demands, including the introduction of a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system.

Golam Parwar questioned the role of the administration and stated:
“By favoring specific parties and bowing to pressure, officials are being selectively appointed in the administration to manipulate the election. The role of OCs, DCs, UNOs, bureaucrats, and even some interim government advisors is now under question in the eyes of the nation.”

However, he did not disclose the names of the advisors whose roles he questioned.

He called on the interim government to ensure equal opportunities for all political parties—both large and small—before the elections scheduled for February.

Parwar further emphasized the demand for elections under the Proportional Representation (PR) system:

“People are now uniting in favor of the PR system. While differing opinions are welcome, no one has the right to belittle a national political party’s official position on such a significant issue.”

He urged the interim government and the National Consensus Commission to finalize the PR proposal before the signing of the July Charter on October 15.

Golam Parwar demanded that the PR proposal be included in a referendum, alongside the reforms agreed upon by various political parties as part of the July Charter.

“If the people support the PR system in the referendum, all parties must accept it. If the public rejects it, Jamaat will withdraw its demand,” he stated.

Claiming that Jamaat has already compromised on several reform proposals for the sake of national unity, he added:

“To fulfill the dreams of the martyrs and injured of the July uprising, we must build a humane Bangladesh through free and fair elections. No individual or political interest should obstruct the unity process.”

Golam Parwar also called for banning all 14-party alliance members, including the ruling Awami League, branding them “fascist.” He reminded the crowd that Awami League had banned Jamaat before being ousted in last year’s uprising. After the interim government took over, the ban on Jamaat was lifted, and restrictions were imposed on Awami League’s activities.

At the rally, Selim Uddin, Amir of Jamaat’s Dhaka North unit, said without naming any party:

“Some are eager for quick elections but don’t support reforms. They disregard public demands. We know who is pulling the strings. Those who oppose the July revolution or try to protect the Awami League and its allies are agents of India. Jamaat is ready for another uprising against these agents if necessary.”

He demanded a referendum by November 15 and national elections by February, warning:

“If the government or political parties attempt to sabotage the elections, their political future in Bangladesh will be over.”
The rally was conducted by Rezaul Karim, Secretary of Dhaka North Jamaat, and also featured a speech by Shafiqul Islam Masud, Secretary of Dhaka South Jamaat.