WorldPosted at: Jun 25 2025 7:37PM


Bangladesh: Jamaat-e-Islami meets Election Commission, marking key step in return to mainstream politics

Dhaka, June 25 (UNI) The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held its first formal meeting with the Election Commission (EC) today after regaining its official registration and electoral symbol, marking a key step in the party’s return to mainstream politics, reports Dhaka Tribune.

The meeting was attended by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, with the Jamaat being represented by a three-member delegation led by Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad.

During the talks, the controversial hardline Islamic party tabled four key demands: the adoption of a proportional representation (PR) electoral system; voting rights for overseas Bangladeshis; holding local government elections before the national vote; and ensuring local polls are overseen by a non-partisan administration.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Azad said, “By implementing the court’s decision and restoring our registration and electoral symbol, the Election Commission has taken a step toward justice. It proves that our political rights were previously denied under a repressive regime.”

On whether Jamaat now trusts the Commission, Azad remained non-committal. “We are observing the Commission’s conduct. Where they act fairly, we acknowledge it. If they fall short, we will raise our voice.”

Addressing the ongoing consultations over a national charter, Azad expressed hope that Jamaat’s proposals would be reflected in the final outcome. He urged the government to take concrete steps to ensure the charter is implemented.

On electoral reform, Azad argued that introducing a PR system would reduce the influence of money, criminality, and nomination manipulation in politics. “We have proposed that any party receiving at least 1% of the vote should be allocated seats in Parliament. This would better reflect the people’s will.”

Azad also highlighted that around 11 million expatriates are currently denied the right to vote. He called for the introduction of postal and online voting systems to include them in the democratic process.

He stressed that local government elections should take place before the national polls and under a neutral administration to ensure transparency, public confidence, and a fair electoral environment.

The party, which remains a controversial figure in Bangladesh, is known for its hardline Islamic policies and calls to install a theocratic regime in the country, undoing its secular pluralistic democratic socialist fabric. UNI ANV SSP
Tags: #Bangladesh: Jamaat-e-Islami meets Election Commission# marking key step in return to mainstream politics
More News
UNHCR Commissioner Volker Türk highlights need for reconciliation between Sinhalese and Tamils

UNHCR Commissioner Volker Türk highlights need for reconciliation between Sinhalese and Tamils

25 Jun 2025 | 10:43 PM

Colombo, June 25 (UNI) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has highlighted the need for a sincere and genuine approach to ensure accountability and reconciliation between Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese and Tamil communities, following a joint letter issued by several Sri Lankan Tamil politicians.

see more..

Bangladesh: Jamaat-e-Islami meets Election Commission, marking key step in return to mainstream politics

25 Jun 2025 | 7:37 PM

Dhaka, June 25 (UNI) The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held its first formal meeting with the Election Commission (EC) today after regaining its official registration and electoral symbol, marking a key step in the party’s return to mainstream politics, reports Dhaka Tribune.

see more..
Pope urges Iran-Israel to choose dialogue and diplomacy to reach peace

Pope urges Iran-Israel to choose dialogue and diplomacy to reach peace

25 Jun 2025 | 6:40 PM

Vatican, June 25 (UNI) Pope Leo XIV has urged the warring sides in the Israel-Iran war to "reject the logic of bullying and revenge" and choose a path of dialogue and diplomacy to reach peace.

see more..

Israel struck 1,480 targets in Iran during 12-day war, dropped 3,500 munitions

25 Jun 2025 | 5:13 PM

Tel Aviv, June 25 (UNI) During its 12-day wide-scale military campaign in Iran, Israel struck over 1,480 targets and launched around 1,500 air sorties that dropped 3,500 munitions, Israeli media and defense sources reported.

see more..
Iran Parliament votes to suspend cooperation with IAEA, says IAEA credibility 'up for auction'

Iran Parliament votes to suspend cooperation with IAEA, says IAEA credibility 'up for auction'

25 Jun 2025 | 5:03 PM

Tehran, June 25 (UNI) Iran has decided to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) until the Agency (IAEA) guarantees security of its nuclear facilities.

see more..