Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday invited BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to a direct discussion on an open platform to present their respective parties’ election manifestos before the nation.
Dr Shafiqur made the proposal in a post on his verified Facebook page on Friday night, saying the initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability in national politics.
“Dear Tarique Rahman, legitimacy can only be established through a free and fair election. Without justice and public trust, no outcome can earn the people’s confidence,” he wrote.
Referring to the post-July movement period, the Jamaat chief stressed the need for a new political culture and said political leaders must demonstrate that politics can be conducted in a courteous and non-confrontational manner.
“After the July uprising, it is our responsibility to prove to the younger generation that politics can be courteous and non-confrontational. Let us face the scrutiny of the media and the people,” he said.
He also called for setting a standard of governance that is open to criticism, accountable, and transparent.
Referring to BNP’s state reform proposal, Dr Shafiqur said: “Since you have presented your plan (‘I have a plan’), I am inviting you to a direct discussion on an open platform. There, we will present our respective manifestos to the nation and allow the people to decide.”
He concluded by urging political forces to respect public opinion, saying, “Let us begin a new chapter for Bangladesh, where we all commit to respecting the will of the people.”
No immediate response was available from the BNP regarding the proposal.
