ATM Masum made the remarks while addressing a courtyard meeting organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Khilgaon South Police Station unit in South Banasree on Monday (November 3), where he attended as the chief guest.
He said, “The long-awaited national elections must be held next February. Before that, the government must ensure a level playing field for all political parties.”
Highlighting the need for reforming the country’s electoral process, Masum said the existing system does not ensure true representation of the people. “Proportional representation must be incorporated into the July Charter to guarantee 100 percent reflection of the people’s mandate in both houses of parliament,” he added.
The Jamaat leader further stated that Bangladesh’s democratic system cannot be sustained without the proportional representation (PR) model. “Organizing random elections while maintaining the current fascist structure will not solve the 54-year-old political and governance crisis,” he said.
Accusing the former Awami League government of turning the electoral process into “a mockery,” Masum alleged that “the concentration of power in one individual and the flaws in the electoral system” led to fascism and tyranny. “The people’s right to vote and freedom of speech have been taken away. Enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and mass oppression have continued. That system must end,” he said.
He stressed that the legal basis of the July Charter must first be ensured, embracing the aspirations of the people after the 24th mass uprising. “The next election must be held in light of that Charter. The perpetrators of fascism must be brought to justice. Those who repeatedly destroyed democracy and violated people’s right to vote and to life must face trial,” he declared.
Calling for public support in the upcoming election, Masum pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, it will establish good governance, protect people’s rights, and ensure justice. “Jamaat will work to eliminate discrimination and uphold the dignity of all citizens regardless of religion, caste, or political opinion. It will prioritize employment generation for skilled and unskilled workers, ensure access to education and healthcare for all, and guarantee the security of life and property,” he said.
He added, “If Jamaat comes to power, corruption will be sent to a museum. Business syndicates and middlemen’s exploitation will be uprooted.”
The meeting’s main speaker, Kabir Ahmed—central president of the Bangladesh Workers’ Welfare Federation and Jamaat-nominated MP candidate for Dhaka-9—outlined his development plans for the constituency. He pledged to make the area free from drugs and juvenile gangs, and to create job opportunities for unemployed youth through vocational training. He also promised to strengthen social awareness programs to prevent crime and resolve family disputes.
Kabir Ahmed further stated that, if elected, he would take special initiatives to establish women’s rights as prescribed by Islam, particularly ensuring that women are not deprived of their property rights.
The meeting was chaired by Metropolitan Majlish-e-Shura member and Khilgaon South Thana Ameer Maulana Sajedur Rahman Shibli and conducted by Thana Secretary Khorshed Alam Majumdar. Special guests included Jamaat Central Majlish-e-Shura member Maulana Faridul Islam, Metropolitan Working Committee member, and Khilgaon Zone Director.
Other attendees included Metropolitan Majlish-e-Shura member and Khilgaon Zone Assistant Director SM Mahmud Hasan, Metropolitan Majlish-e-Shura member and Khilgaon East Thana Ameer Maulana Mahmudur Rahman, as well as ward presidents, secretaries, and members of the Thana Working Committee.
