‘Rigged Polls Will Lead to Disaster’: Jamaat Leader Warns After Meeting EU Envoys

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has warned that any attempt to hold a "staged" or "rigged" election will lead to dire consequences for the country. He expressed deep concerns over the "biased behavior" of the current administration and the Election Commission, which he claims has created widespread public distrust.

The statement came on Wednesday (January 7) following a high-profile, closed-door meeting between Jamaat leaders and a European Union delegation. The meeting took place at the private office of Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Bashundhara, Dhaka. The EU delegation was led by Paola Pampaloni, Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service, accompanied by several European diplomats.

Key Highlights from the Meeting: During the 90-minute discussion, Jamaat leaders briefed the EU envoys on the ongoing political crisis and the prerequisites for a fair election. Speaking at a press conference afterward, Dr. Taher emphasized that Bangladesh’s past political turmoils were the direct result of a lack of transparent and neutral elections.

"The people are alarmed by the partisan stance of the government and the Election Commission," Dr. Taher stated. "If this apprehension is not addressed and another staged election is forced upon the nation, the public will react fiercely."

The discussion also touched upon the roles of the government and various political parties in ensuring a credible electoral process. Jamaat leaders reiterated that a neutral framework is essential to steer the country out of its current political and economic instability.