Jamaat Leader Insists on Election Only Under July Charter’s Legal Authority

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Dhaka: Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, emphasized the legal recognition of the July Charter through a national referendum, stating, “Our demand is not many, but it is very clear. The July Revolution must be recognized. Recognition of the July Revolution requires providing a legal basis for the July Charter. Without this legal foundation, there is no possibility of holding any election.”

Speaking at a rally of eight political parties, including Jamaat, at Paltan Mor in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon, Rahman outlined five demands, including the issuance of the July National Charter Implementation Order and conducting a referendum on it.

He further asserted that for elections to take place in 2026, the July Revolution must first be recognized. “For those who refuse to accept the July Revolution, there will be no elections in 2026,” he warned.

Rahman also stressed that the public wants a referendum before elections. Highlighting consensus among political parties on the referendum, he questioned, “Then why the confusion over the date?” He added that since parties have already signed the July Charter, holding a referendum first is logically justified. “This will remove any doubt regarding the upcoming election,” he said, emphasizing that Jamaat and the allied parties seek national elections before Ramadan next year, warning against any attempts to create confusion.

The Jamaat leader stated that the July Charter was formulated based on the opinions of the majority. “Democracy means the majority decides, and the rest must accept it. Yet, some are unwilling to do so. If they do not respect democracy in the July Charter, how will they respect national elections?” he questioned.

Without naming any party, Rahman added, “The voices of the martyrs and injured from the July mass uprising must be understood. The victory will belong to the people, not any party. One must listen carefully to understand what the people want. Those who fail to do so must be prepared for the consequences.”

He also assured the public that the parties are speaking politely but will remain firm on their demands, describing them as public demands rather than those of any particular party. Addressing party members, he said, “Prepare yourselves. Until the people’s demands are met, our movement will continue with unstoppable momentum, Insha’Allah.”

Rahman announced that a new action plan will be declared soon and that the top leaders of the eight parties will meet after the rally to finalize the next steps.

The rally was presided over by Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, with assistance from Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary-General Hamidur Rahman Azad, Rafiqul Islam Khan, Shafiqul Islam Masud, Ahmad Abdul Qayyum, and KM Shariatullah, among others.

Speakers at the event included Mia Golam Parwar, Hamidur Rahman Azad, Yunus Ahmad, Mujaddid Billah Al Madani, Abdul Basit Azad, Jamal Hossain, Mamunul Haque, Jalaluddin Ahmad, Sarwar Kamal Azizi, Musa bin Izhar, Habibullah Miazi, Yusuf Sadik Hakkani, Rashed Pradhan, Professor Iqbal Hossain, Anowarul Islam Chan, and Kazi Nizamul Haque.