Jamaat targets big win: Special plan to guard polling stations

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is once again at the center of discussion in Bangladeshi politics. After the July Revolution, the party has returned to the political arena with renewed enthusiasm. After a long period of repression and ban, Jamaat is now more organized, strategic and confident than ever before in restructuring its organization.

According to reliable party sources, Jamaat is moving forward with the goal of a big win in the upcoming national elections. The party's three main strategies are - inclusive candidate selection, seat agreement with Islamic and patriotic parties, and full preparation for government formation.

This time, Jamaat is bringing a new trend in candidate selection. Along with political loyalty, priority is being given to the candidate's social acceptability, honesty and skills. Even non-Muslim candidates can get nomination if they are deemed worthy. A central leader of the party said, “We want a parliament where there will be skilled, educated and patriotic people. For this, we want to go to the elections by including everyone.”

In an exclusive interview with “MORE NEWS BD”, the party’s Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar said, “Our unity process is underway with all Islamic and patriotic parties. We are ready to make maximum concessions for the sake of unity.” According to sources, Jamaat may also decide not to field candidates in some seats to prevent division of Islamic votes.

Jamaat is not only active in preparing for the elections, but also on the streets demanding fair elections. Their five-point demands include: legal recognition of the July Charter, introduction of the proportional representation (PR) system, impartiality of the administration and ensuring a level playing field. The top leader of the party said, “We want the government to be formed with the people’s votes. Fair elections are our goal.”

However, Jamaat has faced some challenges on the path to unity. A section of Hefazat and some Qaumi parties are still expressing reluctance, citing differences in creed. On the other hand, BNP is adopting various strategies to retain its Islamic vote bank. According to political analysts, “Jamaat can become a major factor in the elections only if this division is overcome.”

The party is now taking special measures to guard polling stations. Both male and female polling agents are being trained across the country to prevent vote rigging. The party’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said in a public address, “We want the vote to be fair. But if someone tries to steal the vote, the people will stop him.”

Meanwhile, Jamaat is also preparing to run the state. Professor Parwar said, “If the people vote in our favor, by the grace of God, we are fully prepared to run the state. Justice, transparent business and commerce, and service to the people will be our pledge.”

Political analysts believe that Jamaat's inclusive candidate and unity-centric strategy can create a new balance in the country's politics. However, they warn that if the election administration is not impartial, then despite its organizational strength, there may be major obstacles in Jamaat's path to victory.

In all, after the July Revolution, Jamaat-e-Islami is now entering the election arena in a new form. Selecting inclusive candidates, Islamic unity and seat agreement, guarding polling stations and a movement for fair elections - all of them have one goal: forming a government through a referendum and reviving Islamic politics.