A meeting between a delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the Commonwealth Observer Group was held today in the capital. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - A meeting between a delegation of Bangladesh 
Jamaat-e-Islami and the Commonwealth Observer Group was held today at Hotel 
InterContinental in the capital, focusing on the upcoming 13th Jatiya 
Sangshad election and the overall electoral environment.

The Jamaat delegation was led by Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul 
Halim and included Dr Zubair Ahmed, Barrister Saif Uddin Khaled, Jamaat-e-
Islami Women's Wing Secretary Nurunnisa Siddika, and Daffodil University 
faculty member Engineer Mardia Momtaz.

At the outset of the meeting, Maulana Abdul Halim conveyed greetings to the 
Commonwealth delegation on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur 
Rahman, said a press release.

The Commonwealth Observer Group, led by former President of Ghana Nana Akufo-
Addo, is currently in Dhaka to observe the 13th Jatiya Sangshad election and 
referendum scheduled for February 12. 

As part of its mission, the group is holding meetings with the Election 
Commission, political parties, and other stakeholders to exchange views on 
the electoral process, rule of law, neutrality, and transparency, with the 
aim of ensuring credible observation and providing an independent assessment.

During the meeting, the Jamaat delegation said that Jamaat-e-Islami has been 
extending full cooperation to the government and the Election Commission in 
the ongoing election process. However, they expressed concern that Jamaat 
leaders and activists are facing obstacles while conducting campaign 
activities in various areas.

They particularly alleged that Jamaat women activists and polling agents have 
been subjected to harassment, including repeated attacks, physical abuse, and 
incidents of mobile phones being forcibly taken away. 

The delegation also claimed that election workers in many places have faced 
intimidation, threats, and violence.

The Jamaat representatives further said that there are growing security risks 
to candidates' election offices, residences, and campaign workers during the 
election period. They expressed apprehension that their opponents may attempt 
to create unrest and carry out attacks using known criminal elements.

Stressing the need for a level playing field, the delegation urged steps to 
improve the law-and-order situation, prevent the use of illegal arms, and 
stop the misuse of muscle power to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful 
election.