Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday said the environment for free, fair and neutral elections has yet to be created in the country, alleging that sections of the administration are working in favour of a particular political party.
The party also claimed that political leaders and activists continue to be killed openly in different parts of the country, raising serious concerns over law and order.
The remarks came at a meeting of Jamaat-e-Islami's Central Executive Council held at the party's central office in Moghbazar, according to a press release. The meeting was chaired by Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and attended by the Nayeb-e-Ameer, Secretary General, assistant secretaries general and other council members.
At the meeting, Jamaat urged the Election Commission, election officials and law enforcement agencies to discharge their duties impartially and refrain from favouring any political party. The party said strict neutrality by state institutions is essential to ensure credible elections.
Jamaat also called on the Election Commission and the government to take firm steps to improve the overall law and order situation ahead of the upcoming polls. According to party sources, the meeting began at 10:00am and concluded at 2:45pm, with a break for Zuhr prayers and lunch.
The council discussed in detail the political environment surrounding the forthcoming referendum and national parliamentary elections. Jamaat leaders said what they described as fascism had been ended through a 16-year-long movement and struggle, adding that the "new Bangladesh," achieved through the sacrifices of about 1,500 martyrs and more than 30,000 injured and disabled people, must not be held hostage to any conspiracy or vested group.
Contacted later, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim said the meeting also discussed seat-sharing arrangements and preparations to finalise agreements ahead of the nomination withdrawal deadline.
