Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that essential reforms must be implemented before the national parliamentary elections. “We demand that local government elections be held prior to the national elections. The local government represents the lowest tier of administration.

Through this election, it will become evident how capable the Election Commission is in conducting free, fair, and impartial elections. The Election Commission's competence will be proven through these elections. If any weaknesses are exposed in the local government elections, they must be addressed before proceeding with the national elections,” he said. “To strengthen the foundation of democracy, all elections, including the local government, must be free, fair, and impartial. A level playing field must be ensured so that everyone can participate meaningfully in an acceptable election.”

He was speaking on the evening of June 26 at an Training Session for Upazila and Thana Ameers of Jamaat-e-Islami, held at the Al-Falah auditorium in Moghbazar, Dhaka. The event also featured speeches by Jamaat's Assistant Secretary Generals Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad and Maulana Abdul Halim, and was presided over by Central Executive Council member Abdur Rob.

Ameer-e-Jamaat further stated, “Overseas Bangladeshis must be registered as voters so they can participate in the upcoming national elections. They are our pride. They are strengthening the country's economy. Their rights must be given due importance.”

He said, “By the infinite mercy of Allah, our brother, Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, has been proven innocent in court and has been fully acquitted. Through the court’s verdict, we have regained our registration and the electoral symbol of the ‘balance scale’, for which we are deeply grateful to Allah.”

He added, “Those who stand on the side of truth and justice are the ones who ultimately achieve victory. It is because we remained steadfast in upholding justice that we have been able to attain this success.”

He continued, “We must strengthen our organization’s foundation at the grassroots level. By connecting closely with the people and resolving their issues, we must gain their trust and thereby solidify Jamaat’s popular base. We are hopeful about victory in the upcoming election. We have already given preliminary selection of candidates for all 300 parliamentary constituencies and are being prepared accordingly. If we sincerely strive and place our trust in Allah, then surely He will grant us victory. We aim to establish a sound, just, and welfare-oriented society.”

“We must all maintain a strong sense of accountability to Allah in carrying out our respective duties. Only then will all our efforts be successful, Insha Allah.”

Before delivering his speech, Jamaat Ameer responded to various questions from the Upazila and Thana Ameers.