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Published : 18 Sep 2025, 05:35 PM
Syed Fayzul Karim, Nayeb-e-Ameer of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has sharply criticised the media’s portrayal of the united movement demanding elections under the proportional representation (PR) system.
Responding to media reports suggesting that the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance was spearheading the movement on Thursday, Fayzul said no central leadership was involved.
According to him, the movement, coined as the Jugpat Andolan, is a collective effort, with individuals contributing from their respective positions.
Addressing a rally on Thursday at the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram, Karim emphasised that the PR system for the national elections, along with five other demands, was the core agenda of the gathering.
The rally, which coincided with a similar event held by the Jamaat-e-Islami at the southern gate of Baitul Mukarram, caused significant traffic disruptions in the area, with congestion peaking as the demonstrations stretched towards the National Press Club.
In his keynote address, Fayzul spoke about the political situation.
He called the BNP “extortionists, land grabbers, murderers, and corrupt criminals”.
“We will not allow the country to fall into their hands again,” he added.
Fayzul, who is the brother of the influential Chormonai Pir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, said: “Is the interim government reflecting India’s expectations and desires?”
He added that the government should not limit its role to conducting elections but must also carry out reforms and ensure justice beforehand.
On the PR system, Fayzul said 80 percent of the population supported the proposal. Despite acknowledging minor drawbacks of the PR system, he praised its overall benefits, asserting that “99 percent” of the system was good, with only “1 percent” of it potentially flawed.
In contrast, he questioned the BNP’s stance, pointing out that a senior leader from the party had claimed that 90 percent of the country’s votes belonged to them.
If that were the case, they would secure over 270 seats in the PR system, Fayzul said, urging BNP to clarify their opposition.
Reiterating his concerns about media misrepresentation, Fayzul addressed journalists present at the rally.
“Many are saying that the Jugpat Andolan for the PR system is under someone’s leadership. Let me be clear -- each individual is contributing from their own place; there is no central leadership,” he said.
He also highlighted that the Islami Andolan is the first to raise the demand for elections under the PR system and urged the media to ensure accuracy in their reporting.
Fayzul also raised concerns over the recruitment of music teachers in primary schools, which he strongly opposed. He said religious teachers must be appointed in schools instead, warning that introducing subjects unrelated to Islamic culture would undermine the nation’s values.
