Key Demands and Political Tensions in Bangladesh
On November 11, e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that recognizing the ‘July Revolution’ is a crucial condition for participating in the 2026 national election. He stated, “Those who do not recognize the July Revolution, there will be no elections in 2026 for them. To give recognition to the July Revolution, the July Charter must have a legal basis. Without this legal basis, elections cannot take place.”
This statement was made during a rally organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami along with seven other political parties in the Paltan area of the city. The event aimed to highlight their five-point demands, which include significant changes to the electoral and constitutional framework.
The rally, which started shortly after 2 pm, caused major traffic disruptions in Paltan and surrounding roads, leading to severe traffic chaos. Despite the challenges, the organizers remained focused on their message, emphasizing the need for a referendum before the national election.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman highlighted that the next national election will be based on the July Charter. He added, “When the elections are held, there will be no doubts or suspicions. We want the national elections to take place before Ramadan next year. No one should try to create smoke and mirrors around this.”
Constitutional and Electoral Disputes
Jamaat’s assistant secretary general, Hamidur Rahman Azad, pointed out that if all constitutional provisions are followed, elections are due in 2029, not in 2024 or 2026. He criticized claims that the constitution does not provide for a referendum, noting that the provision was annulled through constitutional amendments during the Awami League’s rule.
Jamaat Secretary General Golam Parwar mentioned that almost nine months of discussions with the National Consensus Commission on constitutional, political, and administrative reforms have led to near consensus. However, he warned about potential conspiracies and disruptive plans scheduled for November 13.
Diverse Voices at the Rally
Several prominent figures addressed the rally, including Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Ameer, Islami Andolan Bangladesh), Maulana Mamunul Haque (Ameer, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis), Maulana Sarwar Kamal Azizi (Ameer, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party), Rashed Pradhan (Senior Vice President, National Democratic Party – JAGPA), Maulana Abdul Basit Azad (Ameer, Khelafat Majlis), Maulana Habibullah Miazi (Ameer, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan), and Advocate Anwarul Haque Chan (President, Bangladesh Development Party).
The Five Demands of the Eight Parties
The eight parties have outlined five key demands:
- Issuing an order to implement the July Charter:This demand emphasizes the need for formal recognition and enforcement of the July Charter.
- Announcing the referendum date before the election:The parties insist that a referendum must be conducted prior to the national election, and they question why there is confusion over the date.
- Introducing proportional representation in both houses in the next national polls:This call aims to ensure fair representation in the legislative bodies.
- Ensuring a level playing field for a free, fair, and acceptable election:The parties seek guarantees for a transparent and equitable electoral process.
- Initiating visible accountability measures for past incidents of repression, killings, and corruption:This demand calls for addressing historical grievances and ensuring justice.
In addition to these points, the parties also demanded a ban on the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, further highlighting the complex political landscape in Bangladesh.