Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman-File photo

DHAKA, June 26, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today said that local government elections should be held prior to the upcoming national parliamentary election.

Speaking at an educational camp for upazila and thana-level party leaders at the Al-Falah Auditorium in city's Moghbazar area this evening, Shafiqur stated, "We definitely want necessary reforms before the national parliament elections. The Election Commission's capacity to conduct free, fair and impartial elections should first be tested through local government elections. So we want holding of local polls before the national election."

The arrangement of local election, he said, will unearth the Election Commission's efficiency and neutrality. "If any weakness is identified in holding of the local government polls, those must be addressed before holding of the national elections," he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer also called for a level playing field, saying, "To strengthen the foundation of democracy, all elections must be transparent and participatory. Every political entity should be able to engage fully and fairly in the electoral process."

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary Generals Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and Maulana Abdul Halim also addressed the event while Central Executive Council member Abdur Rab presided over it.