News Flash
DHAKA, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today warned that any delay in holding the upcoming national election could plunge the country into a deep crisis, stressing that holding the polls within the announced schedule is essential.
“It is not our desire to postpone the election. If, for any reason, the February polls are delayed, the country will face a severe crisis. There is no justification for rescheduling, even a slight deviation will hurt the nation, and we do not want that,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after a courtesy meeting with ambassadors and representatives of nine European Union (EU) member states at the EU Delegation office in Dhaka this noon.
Responding to questions on the use of religion in politics, the Jamaat chief said, “We never use religion for political advantage; faith is part of our life and belief. Some people appear with caps or prayer beads only when elections approach—perhaps they are the ones who use religion. We live by our beliefs throughout the year.”
Dr. Rahman said the EU team discussed a range of issues including the national election, the referendum, the political situation, and Jamaat’s future plans.
“They asked whether holding the national election and referendum on the same day would cause complications. We clearly stated that it could create confusion for voters and reduce turnout. That is why we have consistently demanded that the two elections be held separately,” he said.
He added that the EU envoys also enquired about Jamaat’s position on proportional representation (PR). “We told them PR is the people’s demand, not for party benefit. If the people elect us, we will implement PR with sincerity. We want to move away from the politics of breaking promises,” he said.
Regarding broader national issues, Dr. Rahman said the diplomats asked about representation, security, the Rohingya crisis, and Jamaat’s first 100-day plan in case of a post-election government.
“We informed them that everything is well-framed and will be disclosed at the appropriate time. Many of their expectations are already reflected in our manifesto. They want to see an inclusive Bangladesh, and we assured them that if elected by the people, we will build an inclusive and participatory nation,” he said.
He reiterated the need for a national unity government saying, “For the next five years, a national government is essential to ensure stability, rebuild the economy, uphold the rule of law, and eliminate corruption.”
“If there is a commitment that no one will engage in corruption and none will be allowed to do so, we are willing to work with any political party. Even if, by the will of Allah, we win 200 seats, we will form a national government,” he said.
On the aspirations of young people, Jamaat Ameer said the diplomats sincerely discussed education opportunities, employment, migration, international education, and economic revitalization. “We want the hopes of our people — especially the youth — to be fulfilled. We are not in politics for individuals or parties; we work for the people,” he added.
Asked about BNP Chairperson’s illness, he said, “Health is in the hands of Allah. We wish her a speedy recovery. But the functioning of the state should not depend on an individual’s life or death. Ensuring that everyone receives the respect they deserve is our collective responsibility.”
Earlier at 11am, Dr. Rahman held a courtesy meeting with a nine-member high-level EU delegation led by EU Ambassador Michael Miller at the EU Embassy. The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
The delegation included Swedish Ambassador Nicholas Wicks, Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen, German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, French Deputy Head of Mission Frédéric Inza, Dutch Deputy Head of Mission Thijs Woudstra, EU Deputy Head of Mission Baiba Zarina, and Sebastian Rieger Braun, First Secretary at the EU Delegation.
