Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a stern warning that it will not accept any form of a "staged" or manipulated election, accusing a section of the civil administration of partisan behavior.
The statement came from Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair on Tuesday following a high-level meeting with European Union (EU) election observers at the party's central office in Moghbazar.
A 16-member EU delegation arrived at the Jamaat headquarters around 11:00 AM to meet with the party's Ameer.
During the hour-long discussion, the international observers sought information regarding the party's election preparations and inquired about any specific security threats or intimidation facing their candidates.
Briefing the media after the session, Zubair expressed deep concern over the absence of a level playing field.
He alleged that high-ranking officials within the administration are acting with bias rather than neutrality.
He warned that if the administration does not rectify its stance, the party will be forced to announce a formal counter-position.
Furthermore, he criticized the current Election Commission as appearing "weak" and urged the body to act with greater responsibility and authority.
The Jamaat leader also highlighted specific instances of violence, claiming that campaign activities are being obstructed and that 15 of the party's electoral offices have been set on fire.
Addressing the issue of security, Zubair called on the administration to intensify efforts to recover looted and illegal weapons to reduce public panic before the voting day.
He concluded by noting that observer teams from the United Kingdom and Turkey are also scheduled to visit the party offices soon to assess the pre-election environment.
