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Published : 28 Jun 2025, 09:57 PM
Islamist political parties have voiced a collective ambition to emerge as a dominant force in national politics, pushing for unity and sweeping electoral reforms ahead of the general election.
At a “mass” rally organised by Islami Andolan Bangladesh in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan, top leaders from several faith-based groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, said they had reached a common understanding and may contest the election jointly.
The event, held on Saturday, also demanded the introduction of a proportional representation system, judicial reform, and a “neutral” interim government.
The first session of the day began at 10am on Saturday with Quran recitation, followed by speeches from district- and city-level leaders who arrived from across the country.
By midday, long before the main session started at 2pm, the grounds were packed to capacity.
Supporters from all over Bangladesh had begun arriving since morning by bus, gathering around Shahbagh, Matsya Bhaban, Press Club, Doel Chattar, and the Central Shaheed Minar area.
The rally is being presided over by Islami Andolan chief Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim.
He entered the venue around 2:30pm amid chants and slogans from his supporters.
In his speech, he said: “A popular wave is forming. Islamist parties are ready to become the main political force in the next election.
“From the start, I have called for all Islamic votes to unite under one platform.”
He added, “This platform may also attract many patriotic parties. If we can build meaningful unity, Islamists will take the lead in governing the state.”
Rezaul warned against going to polls without structural change: “Holding an election without reform will only return the country to its old state.
“If there’s no consensus on adopting a proportional system in both houses of parliament, then a referendum must be held.”
He also pushed for a government based on justice, transparency, and accountability. “We want a fair system, a corruption-free state, and a responsible administration.
“Even the head of state must be answerable to the people.”
Addressing the interim government, he said: “We stood by you in good faith. Honour your promise of reform and justice. Don’t lose focus.
“Stay neutral in your duties -- we were with you, we are still with you.”
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar described the gathering as “historic” and hailed the possibility of unity among Islamist groups.
“Despite past differences, the leaders here today represent a turning point. Their names will be remembered in history.”
He warned that the public would reject any vote held without proportional representation. “I urge the chief advisor -- do not show favour. Act neutrally in the national interest.”
He added, “You [Muhammad Yunus] have created confusion with your behaviour. Be clear. Local elections must come first.
“The July Charter and declaration must be implemented between the 1–8th of August.
“You can’t say one thing in public and something else in private meetings. That undermines your neutrality. Changing your position after talks with one party sends the wrong signal.”
The rally concluded with Islami Andolan spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman announcing a 16-point demand, including:
>> Reinstating complete faith in Allah as a fundamental principle of state governance
>> Holding parliamentary elections under a proportional representation system
>> National consensus on the July Charter and building a state free from exploitation
>> Core state reforms to prevent future authoritarianism and party-based dominance
>> Ensuring equal opportunity by removing “fascist” influence from the administration ahead of polls
>> Prosecution of fallen “fascist” and diplomatic efforts to repatriate fugitives
>> Visible steps to recover laundered money
>> Active administrative measures against terrorism, extortion and murder
>> Disclosure of all treaties signed with India and cancellation of anti-national deals.
>> Local government elections at all levels before the national vote, under a caretaker framework
>> Disqualification of corrupt individuals, loan defaulters and criminals from contesting elections
>> A conducive and credible electoral atmosphere before announcement of the election schedule
>> An end to bribery, corruption and politically motivated lawsuits, and withdrawal of false cases
>> Swift legal action against anti-Islamic and anti-sovereignty activities
>> A united national front to resist corrupt elements and extortion rackets
>> Implementation of Islamic values across all levels of state governance
