Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has declared that no “engineered election” will be tolerated in the country, warning that any attempt to stage a pre-arranged poll would undermine democracy and restrict the participation of patriotic political parties.
Speaking to journalists in Dhaka on Sunday (August 31) after a meeting with interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Dr. Taher said the authorities must ensure a truly free, fair, and impartial election. “If the government pursues a designed, engineered process instead of a transparent path, it will not bring good for the country,” he said.
He voiced concern that signs were emerging of efforts to orchestrate another manipulated election. At the same time, he suggested that the interim administration seemed to be losing its grip. “If the government loosens control, miscreants will exploit the vacuum,” he warned, urging Dr. Yunus to exercise stronger and firmer leadership.
Dr. Taher also demanded the removal of what he termed “fascist and imperialist agents” from the bureaucracy, calling for the appointment of neutral and competent officials to restore credibility.
On the July Charter—a reform framework discussed among political parties—he noted that most had endorsed proportional representation (PR). “Of 31 parties, about 25—including the NCP, Islami Andolan, and Gono Odhikar Parishad—are in favor of PR. Ignoring the majority’s stance and reverting to the old system would make their participation questionable,” he cautioned.
Using a metaphor, he said: “The election train may have left the station, but it has not yet crossed the platform.” He argued that there was still time to ensure reforms and create an inclusive environment. “If a credible atmosphere is guaranteed, Jamaat will gladly join the race,” he added.
Recalling Dr. Yunus’s earlier promises of reforms, visible justice, and a world-class election, Dr. Taher said those commitments were now at risk. “If polls are forced without people’s trust and consent, the country could slide into chaos,” he warned.
