Dhaka’s political landscape heated up on Thursday as Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman cast his vote at Monipur High School and College polling station, boldly proclaiming his party’s path to power. With Bangladesh’s general elections underway, Rahman expressed unwavering confidence that a fair vote count would install a government representing all 180 million citizens, not just one family or party.
Speaking to reporters post-voting, Rahman emphasized the need for peaceful, impartial polls. ‘We pray for elections free from violence, accepted by all,’ he stated, as quoted by The Daily Star. ‘If voting is free and fair, we’ll accept the results, and so should others.’
His vision paints a picture of inclusive governance, transcending partisan lines. Yet, controversy swirls around Jamaat-e-Islami. Accusations fly that the Islamist party is resorting to religion and cash incentives to sway voters. Reports reveal pamphlets distributed nationwide promising 15,000 Bangladeshi Taka to supporters via bKash app or cash post-results.
These flyers urge families to pledge votes for Jamaat’s scale symbol (‘Dari Palla’), assuring ‘sin-free’ afterlife and freedom from severe punishments. Voters are instructed to snap photos of stamped ballots with camera phones as proof, with advance payments teased via mobile wallets.
As Bangladesh grapples with democratic fervor amid allegations of vote-buying, Rahman’s optimistic forecast underscores deep divisions. Will the polls deliver the people’s true mandate, or will inducements taint the process? The nation watches closely as results loom, potentially reshaping its political future.