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The local government elections should be held before the national polls, Jamaat-e-Islami said today. 

Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and other election commissioners at the Election Commission office in Agargaon today (13 February), Secretary General of Jamaat Professor Mia Golam Parwar told reporters that they discussed making elections free, fair, and inclusive, as well as the capabilities and limitations involved in the process.

He also said holding elections without reforms would hinder the opportunity for a truly fair and free election.

Jamaat's six-member delegation also included AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar, SM Kamal Uddin and Yousuf Ali.

He added that Jamaat presented 23 demands, with a primary focus on the necessity of reforms for a fair election.

Jamaat also expressed support for proportional representation elections, stating that such a system would be beneficial for Bangladesh and necessary for the proper functioning of the Parliament.

In addition, Golam Parwar proposed the cancellation of the current strict political party registration laws, arguing that everyone should have the right to engage in politics.

In response to a question, he confirmed that Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing to contest in all 300 parliamentary seats and has finalised its candidates. Currently, the issue of Jamaat's party registration is pending in the court, but they remain hopeful for justice and for receiving their "scales" symbol in the election.

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