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Dhaka, June 2, 2025 – While there is speculation in the political arena about the date of the next 12th National Parliament elections, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has somewhat 'flexible' its position on the possible date of the elections. The party said that it is in favor of organizing a free, fair and impartial election anytime between the end of December and April next year. However, its main demand is that the election should be held under a non-partisan caretaker government.
Jamaat-e-Islami Central Executive Council member and party spokesperson Matiur Rahman Akand gave this information in a statement sent to the media on Sunday (June 1). His statement came at a time when the government has announced the elections in January and the opposition parties, especially BNP and its allies, have taken a firm stand not to participate in any election except under a caretaker government.
In his statement, Matiur Rahman Akand said, "We believe that ensuring the people's right to vote and organizing an acceptable election are essential for the country's political stability. To this end, we are in favor of a fair election anytime between the end of December and April next year."
He added, "But our main demand is that the election must be held under a non-partisan caretaker government. We believe that no election can be free and fair under the current government."
Many see Jamaat's flexible stance as a political strategy. Through this, they are sending a message that they will not back down from the caretaker government's demands on the one hand, and on the other hand, they want to keep the path of a compromise open on the possible timeframe for the election. Earlier, Jamaat was vocal in its demand for a caretaker government in the BNP-led simultaneous movement and decided to boycott the election under the current government.
Matiur Rahman Akand said, "We are talking about this timeframe considering the aspirations of the people and the current situation in the country. There is no alternative to an immediate credible election to restore the country's economic and political stability."
The government, however, has always rejected the demand for a non-partisan caretaker government. They are determined to hold elections under the current government as per the constitution. In such a situation, this new proposal of Jamaat has given rise to new discussions in political circles. Time will tell how effective it will be in coordinating among the opposition parties and putting pressure on the government.
