Islami Andolan Bangladesh held a grand rally in Dhaka on Saturday, demanding electoral reforms, justice, and the introduction of proportional representation (PR) in both houses of Parliament.
Party spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman presented a 16-point demand charter at the event, describing the rally as an extension of the July Uprising and a historic milestone in shaping the future of Bangladesh.
From early morning, thousands of activists poured into the historic Suhrawardy Udyan from various districts, chanting “Naraye Takbir” and carrying the party’s symbol—the hand fan. The venue quickly filled with slogans, processions, and a charged atmosphere of religious fervor, turning the Udyan into a sea of people.
Leaders from various political parties also joined the rally. Jamaat-e-Islami was represented by Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof Mujibur Rahman, Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, and Assistant Secretaries General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Maulana Abdul Halim. A three-member delegation from the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, was also present.
Other attendees included Nurul Haque Nur of Gono Odhikar Parishad, Maulana Musa bin Izhar of the Nezam-e-Islam Party, Ahmad Abdul Quader of Khilafat Majlis, Maulana Sakhawat Hossain Raji of Islami Oikya Jote, Jalal Uddin of Bangladesh Khilafat, and Yusuf Sadiq Haqqani of Khilafat Andolan. Minority representatives were also in attendance, including Govinda Chandra Pramanik of the National Hindu Grand Alliance, Doyal Kumar Barua of the Bodhigyan Bhavana Kendra, and Nirmal Rozario of the Bangladesh Christian Association.
In his speech, Islami Andolan Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim said: “We must not leave the door open for dictatorship. The country cannot afford another flawed election without reforms. If no consensus is reached on core state principles and the adoption of proportional representation in Parliament, a national referendum must be held. There is no alternative to PR-based elections. Today’s human sea is a testament to that demand.”
He emphasized the equal value of every citizen’s vote, saying: “Every party must receive seats proportional to the percentage of votes they earn. This system ensures inclusive governance and prevents any single party from becoming tyrannical. This is not just our demand—it is the demand of the people and of most political parties.”
He also criticized the 1972 Constitution, saying: “Those who drafted it lacked the mandate to create the constitution of an independent Bangladesh. They borrowed from foreign constitutions, resulting in stagnation, moral decay in politics, and the emergence of dictatorship within a constitutional framework. That’s why we remain uncompromising on the need for structural reforms.”
Looking ahead, he expressed hope for unity among Islamist parties: “From the beginning, we’ve called for uniting all Islamist votes. In the coming elections, not just Islamist parties but other patriotic forces may also join under a common platform. If we can unite effectively, Islamists will emerge as the leading political force in Bangladesh.”
Addressing the interim government, he said: “You are the result of the July Uprising. Fulfill your promises of reform, justice, and fair elections. Stay focused, remain impartial, and don’t be swayed by external influences.”
NCP leader Sarjis Alam added: “In the past, people wearing Panjabis and caps were harassed. Going forward, we will unite for the sake of justice and the people. If we stand together, no one like Hasina can rise again. We will resist even the most powerful criminals.”
He dismissed propaganda efforts, saying: “No smear campaign can change what’s coming. Post-2024 Bangladesh will be united. The next election will not revolve around any single party or person.”
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said: “Islamic scholars and leaders now understand that electoral unity among Islamist forces is essential. We are working toward that and are confident that an agreement will soon be reached.”
The 16-point declaration presented at the rally include:
- Restore full faith and trust in Allah in the Constitution as a fundamental principle of governance
- Introduce proportional representation (PR) elections in both houses of Parliament
- Announce a July Charter and build a just, exploitation-free state through national consensus
- Implement core state reforms to prevent future dictatorships and one-party dominance
- Ensure a level playing field in the administration, free from fascist influences
- Prosecute fallen fascists and bring fugitives back through diplomatic means
- Recover laundered money through visible government action
- Prevent terrorism, extortion, and murder with proactive administrative measures
- Disclose all treaties signed with India and cancel anti-national agreements
- Complete all local elections before the national election under a caretaker government
- Disqualify corrupt individuals, loan defaulters, and criminals from contesting elections
- Ensure a fair electoral environment before announcing the election schedule
- End bribery, corruption, and politically motivated legal harassment; withdraw false cases
- Take swift legal action against anti-Islamic and anti-sovereignty activities
- Build national unity to resist corrupt and extortionist elements
- Implement Islamic values across all levels of the state