Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami today urged the 
Election Commission (EC) to take visible and firm measures to ensure strict 
enforcement of the electoral Code of Conduct and guarantee a secure, fear-
free environment ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections.

The party raised concerns over widespread violations of election rules and 
deteriorating law and order during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner 
(CEC) and other commissioners at the EC Secretariat in the capital.

"We came to the Election Commission with serious concerns about the electoral 
Code of Conduct and overall security situation surrounding the election," 
Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair told reporters 
after the meeting. 

Zubair said a three-member Jamaat delegation attended the meeting, comprising 
himself, central executive council member and Dhaka-13 candidate Mobarak 
Hossain, and senior lawyer Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar, president of the 
party's Lawyers' Council and Dhaka-10 candidate.

He said the delegation discussed several election-related issues, with 
particular emphasis on violations of the Code of Conduct since the 
announcement of the election schedule on December 11.

Referring to Jamaat's own compliance, Zubair said the party removed all 
campaign materials-including posters, banners, festoons and billboards-within 
48 hours of the schedule announcement, in line with directives from Jamaat 
Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and the EC rules.

"In many places, we removed our materials even earlier than the stipulated 
time. We wanted to ensure that there is no lapse from our side, as this 
election is extremely important and the nation expects it to be free, fair 
and credible," he said.

However, he alleged that large-scale violations of the electoral Code of 
Conduct were still taking place across the country.

"We have drawn the commission's attention to the fact that in many areas 
banners and billboards including digital billboards are still installed 
manually, while widespread violations are also happening on virtual 
platforms," Zubair said, stressing the need for immediate action to ensure a 
level playing field.

On security, Jamaat strongly demanded installation of CCTV cameras in all 
polling centres, describing it as crucial to preventing electoral violence 
and intimidation.

"If there are no CCTV cameras, miscreants and those with dishonest intentions 
will get an opportunity to sabotage the election," Zubair said. "CCTV 
coverage will send a clear message that the centres are under surveillance 
and voters can cast their ballots without fear," he added.

Jamaat leader said the EC informed the delegation about its ongoing 
discussions and plans regarding CCTV installation, adding that Jamaat would 
closely follow up to ensure its implementation.

They also raised concerns over the overall law and order situation, calling 
for recovery of illegal arms and arrest of known criminals.

Zubair referred to the recent killing of Osman Hadi, a Dhaka-8 candidate, who 
was also the convener of Inqilab Mancha, describing the murder as "brutal and 
shocking" and one that had created widespread fear and trauma among the 
public.

He also mentioned the killing of a journalist in Khulna and other recent 
violent incidents, stressing that visible action by law enforcement was 
essential to restore public confidence.

"The commission told us they have held multiple meetings with the chiefs of 
law enforcement agencies, including another meeting today. But public anxiety 
remains, and we want to see more visible steps in the coming days," he added.

Jamaat also sought equal security arrangements for all political leaders 
during election campaigns, saying selective VIP facilities contradicted the 
principle of a level playing field.

The delegation further discussed expatriate voting, expressing concern over 
slow voter registration due to technical problems with apps and procedures.

"Although millions of expatriates are eligible to vote, registrations have 
crossed only six lakh so far. These remittance warriors have high 
expectations of exercising their voting rights," Zubair said, urging the EC 
to take effective measures while time still remains.

Jamaat also raised concerns over violations of the Code of Conduct on social 
media, including attacks and misinformation.

"We showed some examples to the commission. They took note and assured us 
that steps would be taken to monitor and address online violations," he 
added.

Expressing hope, Zubair said Jamaat expects the Election Commission to take 
timely and effective measures to ensure a credible election.