Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad talked to journalists after a meeting with CEC AMM Nasir Uddin at the EC Secretariat in the capital's Agargaon. Photo: Jamaat Facebook

DHAKA, Jan 15, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami today reiterated its demand for holding a free, fair and neutral national parliamentary election, calling at the same time for ensuring a level playing field for all political parties to create a conducive electoral environment.

The demand was made by Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad while talking to journalists after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat in the capital's Agargaon area this afternoon.

Briefing reporters, Dr Azad said the party had urged the Election Commission to ensure adequate security at polling centres by installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

"We have proposed installing CCTV cameras at polling centres to ensure security during voting. The Election Commission has issued instructions for installing CCTV cameras locally or through school authorities, but we fear that such directives will not be effectively implemented in practice," he said.

Therefore, Jamaat demanded that the Election Commission ensure the installation of CCTV cameras at every polling centre under its direct supervision with government funding, he added.

Dr Azad said Jamaat wants the election to be held on February 12 as per the announced schedule, as the nation expects a credible and acceptable election by overcoming the bitterness of the past.

However, he stressed that neutrality of the administration is crucial for ensuring a fair election atmosphere. "Although election campaigns are scheduled to begin from January 22, campaigning is already underway in favour of some candidates. 

Such activities must be stopped to ensure electoral equality and a level playing field," he added.

He said Jamaat has extended its hand of cooperation as a political force, but warned that any deviation from the law or attempt to hold a one-sided election would make the government and the Election Commission responsible for the consequences.

"After the announcement of the election schedule, the Election Commission holds constitutional authority over the administration. Therefore, there is no scope for avoiding responsibility," he added.

Regarding postal ballots and allegations about overseas party branches, Dr Azad said Bangladesh's electoral laws and political party registration conditions do not allow any political party to have branches abroad. "We respect the law, and Jamaat has no party branches outside the country," he said.

Earlier at around 5:00 pm, a four-member Jamaat delegation led by Dr Hamidur Rahman Azad met the CEC. 

Other members of the delegation included Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, Central Executive Council member Mobarak Hossain, and Central Working Committee member Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar.