Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate for Barishal-5 constituency Mufti Syed Mohammad Faizul Karim. Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Jan 31, 2026 (BSS) - Mufti Syed Mohammad Faizul Karim, Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate for Barishal-5 constituency, has pledged to work towards building a country free from terrorism and corruption if elected to in the 13th parliament election.

Mufti Faizul Karim, a senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and contesting the election with the party’s Hat Pakha (hand fan) symbol, said he would ensure security and equal rights for people of all communities. 

Faizul Karim, who previously contested elections in Barishal in 2008, is actively campaigning in the constituency despite competition from major political parties. He is also contesting from Barishal-6 (Bakerganj) constituency.

 During an interview with BSS's Barishal district correspondent Mofazzel Hossain, Faizul Karim shared his plans for the development of Barishal.

BSS: What are your promises to the voters of your area?
Faizul Karim: “If I am elected, I will work to build a country free from terrorism and corruption. I will try to ensure that no one in Barishal is harassed or implicated in false cases,” he said, adding that he would work for the safety and development of all citizens irrespective of gender and religion, including men and women, Hindus and Muslims.

BSS: What are your instructions to the leaders and activists to follow the election code of conduct?

Faizul Karim: Strict compliance would be ensured by his party leaders and activists.

 “Our first responsibility is to follow the election code of conduct. If we cannot follow it ourselves, how can we enforce the law?” he said, adding that he has instructed party workers to comply with all election rules during the campaign and throughout the 13th national election process.

BSS: What is your position on the referendum?
Faizul Karim: Verdict would be in favour referendum and his party would encourage voters to vote “yes” in the referendum.

BSS: What are your expectations for the upcoming national parliament elections?
Faizul Karim:  Fascists, oppressors and extortionists were elected in the past ignoring the people’s right to vote.

This time, I urge voters to cast their ballots in favour of the hat pakha (hand fan) symbol, he said, adding that pro-Islamic forces aim to enact laws based on the Quran and Sunnah and run the parliament accordingly.

He said voting for the hand fan symbol would help create an environment to collectively build the country. 

According to the EC, the total number of voters in the Barishal Sadar and City Corporation areas under Barishal-5 constituency stands at 493,950. Among them, 246,943 are male, 247,000 are female  and seven are third-gender voters.