IAB pledges shariah as top priority in election manifesto

Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) unveiled its election manifesto on Wednesday, pledging that Shariah (Islamic law) would take precedence if the party comes to power. 

IAB chief Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim unveiled the election manifesto at the party’s head office in the capital’s Paltan.

Mufti Rezaul emphasized that the sources of Islamic law; the Quran, Sunnah, Ijmah, and Qiyas, align with Islamic codes and principles. “These rules are not in conflict with Islamic teachings, and Islam endorses them. We will take necessary measures based on the demand,” he said.

Key points of the manifesto include maintaining a balance of power if elected, introducing qualitative changes in politics, implementing a science-based education system, ensuring fundamental rights for all citizens, integrating religion with politics and upholding the party’s commitment to the July popular uprising.

Earlier, on January 16, the party had announced its exit from 11-party electoral alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and confirmed its plan to contest 268 seats independently. 

Ultimately, IAB fielded candidates in 259 constituencies, contesting under the hand-fan symbol.

SH