Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), led by Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, well-known as Charmonai Peer, staged a demonstration in Barisal on Friday afternoon demanding the resignation of the incumbent chief election commissioner (CEC) due to perceived failures in the Barisal City Corporation (BCC) election.
The IAB leaders and activists also advocated for the dissolution of the current parliament and insisted on holding the next general election under a neutral government.
They further called for swift trials and punitive actions against the assailants involved in attacks on their leaders and activists, including mayoral candidate Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, who represented the Islami Andolan Bangladesh during the BCC polls.
Hundreds of the Charmonai Peer's followers congregated for the protest rally after Friday's Jumma prayer in front of the Aswini Kumar Town Hall, causing hours-long traffic congestion on main city roads from Nazir Pole to Kakoli Mor.
Dhaka TribuneThe demonstrators brandished an effigy of the CEC, mockingly referring to the Election Commission as the "Intekal Commission (Dead Commission)".
Following the rally, a protest procession traversed Sadar Road, Fazlul Haque Avenue, Chawkbazar, and Girja Mahalla in the city.
In response, police were deployed at various points in the city to ensure law and order around the rally and procession sites.
Charmonai Peer Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim, the ameer of IAB, criticized the current government for appointing allegedly biased commissions and orchestrating sham elections.
He also accused Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal of being mentally disturbed and failing in his duties.
Dhaka Tribune“Upon being informed about the attack on our Barisal mayoral candidate Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, I was astounded by the CEC's insensitive comment that whether he has passed away or not,” said Charmonai Peer adding that this utterance was utterly inconsistent with the duties and responsibilities expected of the chief election commissioner's position.
The IAB ameer called for the resignation of the CEC, citing failure to organize fair and acceptable elections.
He further cautioned that the country's people would compel his resignation should he fail to do so voluntarily.
Charmonai Peer made further allegations against the ruling Awami League government, accusing them of decimating the election system in the country.
He clarified that Islami Andolan Bangladesh's participation in the election was not for financial gain or prestige, but a means to support people's rights.
