Islami Andolan Bangladesh Amir Mufti Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Pir of Charmonai, has questioned the certainty with which BNP leaders claim they will come to power after the next election, criticising their focus on elections over much-needed reforms.
Speaking at a press conference at the IAB auditorium in Purana Paltan in Dhaka on Saturday, Mufti Rezaul Karim said, “BNP leaders seem more invested in elections than in reforms, declaring they will carry out reforms once in power. But from where they got the assurance that they will win? And even if they do, how can we be sure they will deliver the reforms the people desire?”
The press conference, titled “100-Day Activities of the Interim Government and the Current Political Situation,” addressed various pressing national issues.
Rezaul Karim reminded attendees of the oppressive measures opposition parties faced under past regimes, particularly the BNP.
He said, “After the fall of dictatorship, there was hope for a system that would prevent its resurgence. However, BNP’s current actions raise doubts. They prioritise elections over structural reforms, focusing on power rather than the people’s aspirations.”
He accused BNP of repeating the mistakes that led to the rise of the 1/11 caretaker government and criticised their track record, saying, “Does BNP’s history inspire confidence in their commitment to reform? Their focus on elections over reform gives little reason to trust them.”
The Charmonai Pir proposed prioritising constitutional and institutional reforms before holding elections to curb any resurgence of authoritarianism.
Demand for proportional representation
Rezaul Karim renewed his longstanding demand for a Proportional Representation system to prevent power concentration.
“We’ve advocated for the PR system for 16 years to safeguard against dictatorship. Concentrated power fosters authoritarianism. Most political parties support this idea, but BNP opposes it. If BNP is truly against dictatorship, they must reconsider their stance and endorse this system,” he said.
Proposal for a National Security Council
Highlighting the need for political consensus, the IAB Amir proposed forming a National Security Council comprising representatives of all political parties and anti-discrimination student leaders.
“To address urgent national issues—constitutional reforms, foreign relations, and prosecuting those responsible for dictatorship—we need unity. A National Security Council can facilitate consensus and ensure smoother progress,” he said.
Call for election plan from the interim govt
Mufti Rezaul Karim urged the interim government to announce a clear election plan with a specific timeline and guidelines for free and fair elections.
“Uncertainty breeds complications and failures. A defined schedule will create a conducive environment for credible elections and reduce political tensions,” he emphasised.
The press conference was attended by several senior leaders of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, including Secretary General Principal Hafez Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Presidium Members Principal Maulana Syed Mosaddek Billah Al Madani, and others.