Dhaka, Sept 16 (V7N) – Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman held a meeting with a high-level European Parliament delegation at the European Union Embassy in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Tuesday. Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met him at his office in the Bashundhara residential area.
 
During the meeting, EU representatives inquired about the prospects of a free and fair election in Bangladesh. Responding to the query, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said that ensuring fair polls requires a change in political mindset. Citing past student union elections at Dhaka University and Jagannath University, he said defeated candidates often refused to accept results, yet attempts to overturn outcomes failed.
 
Dr. Taher emphasized the importance of proportional representation (PR), noting that it reduces chances of rigging and forceful occupation of polling centers. “At least one election should be held under PR. If it proves ineffective, it can be reconsidered in the future,” he added.
 
He further said that while political parties broadly agreed on reforms, differences remain regarding their implementation. Out of 31 parties in dialogue, 26 support adopting PR—some only for the upper house, while others favor both chambers.
 
Expressing doubt over the effectiveness of the extended tenure of the National Consensus Commission, Dr. Taher said legal recognition of its decisions is crucial; otherwise, discussions may only delay progress. He reiterated that Jamaat never threatened to boycott elections but continues to raise its demands.
 
The EU delegation included Munir Satouri, Isabella Vieder-Lima, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Urmas Paet, and Catarina Vieira.
 
In a separate statement, Jamaat confirmed that the meeting with the Chinese ambassador focused on issues of mutual interest, attended by Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and senior leaders.
 
Another announcement said that the party’s protest rallies scheduled for September 18 and 19 will now be held in the afternoon instead of the morning to accommodate BCS examinees.
 
END/RKB/SMA/