Dhaka, Aug 22 (V7N) – Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Jamaat-e-Islami spokesman Hamidur Rahman Azad called for proportional representation (PR), urging its adoption to reduce violence and irregularities in upcoming elections and ensure equal opportunity for all parties.
 
Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said that adopting a proportional representation system could help curb violence and election-related misconduct. “Not everyone may demand every reform, and even the caretaker government did not. But if the people desire it, PR must be implemented. Jamaat will campaign on this demand and simultaneously prepare for the elections,” he said.
 
When asked whether the party would participate in elections without PR, Azad refrained from giving a direct answer, instead emphasizing the benefits of PR for fair representation and national progress. He described PR as a superior approach that appropriately evaluates voters.
 
Azad expressed concern over the lack of a level playing field, stating that Jamaat has not yet seen assurances from the Election Commission that all parties will have equal opportunities. He said the Commission has been informed of this concern and reassured by officials that work is underway to remedy the imbalance.
 
Regarding the timing of the polls, Azad said Jamaat has no objections to elections held in February, as previously requested, or even in December, if necessary. Asked about constituency boundary reviews, he said the party has communicated its views broadly to the Commission.
 
Azad noted that Jamaat has participated in all accepted elections, secured parliamentary representation, and will field candidates in over 300 constituencies this time, engaging actively with the voters.
 
Addressing the absence of a bank account in their electoral return, he explained that although the party filed its return based on earlier bank records in 2008, over the past 15 years, political repression made it dangerous to open bank accounts. Many leaders faced enforced disappearance, killings, and crossfire. Azad said, “If conditions improve, we will include bank details in future returns.”
 
The meeting lasted around 1 hours 30 minutes, with the Jamaat delegation led by Azad and including Central Working Committee member Jasim Uddin Sarkar, Deputy Amir for Dhaka North, Abdur Rahman Musas, and two others.
 
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