Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has strongly said his party wants next national election to be held before the upcoming Ramadan.

He also expressed concern saying that waiting until June next year could risk the polls being delayed due to monsoon-related natural disasters.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (April 16) after a meeting with US Deputy Head of Mission at the American envoy’s residence in Gulshan around 2:15pm, Dr. Shafiqur said, “If we wait until June, the rainy season, storms, and other natural calamities may create a situation where the election may not happen. So, we want the election to take place before Ramadan.”

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar was also present during the meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Nicole Chulick.

Dr. Shafiqur said, “They asked when we want the election to be held. We said the Chief Adviser has mentioned December this year or June next year as possible times. We want to see if the Chief Adviser’s commitment is still valid.”

He said, “We had an open discussion with them. They asked what our economic and foreign policies would be if we come to power. They also wanted to know about regional issues.”

The Jamaat chief said the US side also raised concerns about minority rights, women’s rights, and labour rights.

Dr. Shafiqur said his party requested the US to reconsider the 37 percent tariff currently imposed on Bangladeshi goods, as the country is going through a crucial period. “We hope they will cooperate with us on this issue,” he added.

On the topic of justice for the Awami League, Dr. Shafiqur said the matter also came up during the meeting. “We spoke about ensuring justice, but we meant justice in a fair and lawful way,” he clarified.

BDST: 1715 HRS, April 16, 2025
MSK