Jamaat-e-Islami will announce its final list of candidates for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election “in due time,” said the party’s Ameer (chief) Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.
Speaking to journalists early Tuesday (November 4) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from an overseas trip, the Jamaat chief made the remarks.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “We had prepared preliminary lists of potential candidates about a year ago across different regions. The final list will be announced by the central committee at the appropriate time, InshaAllah. Since we will not contest the election alone, but in coordination with other groups for the sake of the country and the nation, the decision will be taken after considering all aspects.”
He added, “I was not elected Ameer in a personal capacity — my colleagues have entrusted me with a significant responsibility. I seek everyone’s prayers and cooperation so that I may fulfill this duty in the service of the country and Islam.”
Dr. Shafiqur also urged the Election Commission to extend the registration deadline for expatriate voters by an additional 15 days to ensure their voting rights.
Commenting on political disagreements, he said, “Differences of opinion among political parties are natural — that is the beauty of democracy. But these differences should not turn into hostility.”
It may be noted that Dr. Shafiqur Rahman left for Saudi Arabia on October 19 to perform Umrah, then traveled to the United States and the United Kingdom, before returning to Bangladesh early Tuesday morning.