Photo : Collected
As the national election approaches, Islamic parties become active in domestic politics like other parties. In the context of the reverse position of Awami League and BNP, Islamic parties are trying to show their existence and power. Most of the registered Islamic parties are anti-government. Their statement is not to hold an election under the current government. And movement until the government resigns. The leaders of the Islamic parties said these in a statement given to the Daily Messenger.
Islami Andolan is the country's largest Islamic party registered by the Election Commission. Maulana Imtiaz Alam, president of the party's Dhaka City South and central joint secretary said, "No election under the present government, and the movement will continue till the fall of the government."
As the reason, he said, "No one went to the elections in 2014. Prime Minister promised in 2018 and told to have faith in her. She promised to hold a fair election. But she completed the vote at night. So we have decided that we will not go to any election under this Awami government.” He added: “Because election involves huge cost for the parties and candidates. But there is loss everywhere and no election is held. So there is no need for such an election. Now if the government is authoritarian and MPs are made from Ganobhaban, we do not need such expenditure.”
Imtiaz Alam of the Islami Andolon said, "We will gradually intensify the agitation so that this government is fallen and an environment to hold an impartial election is created. “We will not go to any more elections under this government. They repeatedly flouted their promises. Not even the slightest bit of politeness was shown.”
When asked whether they are in the anti-government movement with BNP, he replied, "Our Ameer announced that we support all the peaceful activities of BNP. We will continue our movement. It will be seen that the programs will be compatible with others.”
Abul Kashem, secretary of Bangladesh Islamic Party, one of the allies of the 12-party alliance agitating under the leadership of BNP, said, "Even if there is any proposal from the government, we are adamant in our demands. We will continue to demand election under a non-partisan government." The leader of the Islamic Party alleged that the government is not really for Islam. They trying to pull the Islamic groups for their own agenda.”
In response to a question on whether BNP is the same as Awami League valuing Islamic parties for their own agenda, he said, "We have been with BNP's movement since the beginning. There is no opportunity to use Islam here.”
Meanwhile, the Islamic Front, a party maintaining normal relations with the government, announced a rally demanding 'free, fair, impartial and participatory elections under the independent election commission free from government influence'.
The election commission registered party announced to hold a rally at Baitul Mukarram's south gate on August 26 in the spirit of Quran-Sunnah and liberation war.
Party secretary Maulana AM Moinuddin Chowdhury Halim said, "We demand impartial and participatory elections."
Although not a political party, the Qaumi Madrasah-based platform 'Hefajat Islam' has an influence on politics. When asked about the reason for being active before the elections, its joint secretary-general Maulana Mohiuddin Rabbani said, "We are strict with our 13-point demand." “We are a non-political organization. We gave a statement in the newspaper about the boy who died. We demanded exemplary punishment. The government could not identify. We have been demanding justice. There is nothing new beyond that.”
However, seeking anonymity, a former leader of Hefajat expressed grievance. According to him, the current Hefajat committee is completely controlled by the government. So he has doubts about the operation and success of Hefajat Islam.
TDM/AM
