Jamaat Ameer calls for restraint, dialogue amid political tensions

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who has been reelected as Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, has urged all political parties in the country to ensure that existing differences of opinion and political stand do not escalate into divisions or hostility to disrupt the current political climate.

"Our disagreements may remain, but please pray that they do not turn into conflicts," he told journalists Tuesday upon returning home from a 15-day foreign trip that included his performance of holy Umrah and his visit to UK, US and Turkey.

"There will be differences in opinion-that's the beauty of democracy. Not all parties are the same, and it's natural that each has its own perspective. We respect everyone's opinions sincerely," he said.
His remarks came shortly after the interim government's Advisory Council expressed concern over disagreements among political parties regarding the implementation of the "July Charter," and the date of referendum.

The government has called on parties to engage in dialogue and present a united roadmap to the interim administration by seven days.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party would announce its final list of candidates for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election "in due time." Jamaat released a list of party candidates few months back.

He noted that while the BNP has released preliminary names for 237 constituencies, Jamaat's list is not final and changes may occur.

"We shared a preliminary list regionally almost a year ago. The final list will be announced by the central committee at the appropriate time, Inshallah," he said.

"Since we won't contest the election alone-we'll include others for the sake of the nation-we'll announce our candidates after considering all aspects carefully," he observed.

Relations between Jamaat and its long-time ally BNP have reportedly become more strained following the 2024 power shift.

The Jamaat chief was welcomed at Dhaka airport by senior central leaders and party supporters.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called for extending the deadline for expatriates to register as voters by 15 more days.