Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said, "We proposed two distinct timelines one for implementing effective reforms and another for holding elections, but we are giving priority to reforms first."
Speaking to reporters after meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna he said, "There will be a roadmap on reforms and another roadmap will be on the election. If reforms are successful, elections will also be successful."
"That's why we have put emphasis on these two issues. There will be more dialogues with them," he said.
The Jamaat Ameer urged all to wait as both sides will come up with details soon, adding that they are giving priority to reforms first.
Regarding puja celebrations, he said the government needs partnership with people to help the Hindu community celebrate Durga Puja in a festive manner.
"There will be a need for partnership between the government and people. People's engagement with the government is required. If the government, people of the country and law enforcement agencies work together, our Hindu brothers and sisters will be able to celebrate the Durga Puja in an unprecedented way," he said.
Shafiqur announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will present its party reform proposals at a press conference on October 9.
He said, "From the start, we have advocated for a reasonable timeframe to implement reforms, and we will disclose that timeframe on October 9."
The party plans to reveal its thoughts on the immediate and future reforms needed to stabilize the country.
Regarding the law-and-order situation, Shafiqur said that discussions also covered national unity in the face of various conspiracies.
"We hope the interim government will conduct the elections neutrally, without any bias toward political parties or opposition groups," he said.
Shafiqur criticized the outcomes of the past three national elections, stating that the nation had been deprived of fair, peaceful, and credible elections.
He reiterated that it is now the government's responsibility to create an environment for free and fair elections, highlighting the need for reforms in key areas.
"We have discussed what essential reforms must take place," he said.
Addressing concerns about the members of the reform commission, Shafiqur Rahman said that Jamaat-e-Islami had reservations and had not given its full consent as a party.
The dialogue also included participation from senior Jamaat leaders, including Nayeb-e-Ameer and former lawmaker Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Maulana ANM Shamsul Islam, Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Prof Mujibur Rahman, and Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, who serves as the coordinator for the Rangpur-Dinajpur region.
