Jamaat-e-Islami Demands Dhaka City Elections First in Local Polls

Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded that elections for Dhaka's two city corporations be held first in the upcoming local government polls. Mohammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member of the party and potential mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation, made this statement on Sunday at a press conference in Dhaka. He argued that starting with the Dhaka city elections would generate enthusiasm for the electoral process nationwide if conducted well. Uddin accused the government of being fearful and possibly involved in conspiracies if they do not initiate the polls in Dhaka, noting that the terms of the two Dhaka city corporations expired two years ago, while many union parishad and upazila terms are still valid. He also called for elections to be prioritized in other expired city corporations like Chittagong before proceeding to others. Uddin warned that any attempts at rigging in local elections would be resisted, emphasizing that the government could face significant risks if it fails to accept the will of the voters. He also criticized the ruling party for not sincerely implementing the 'July Charter' and the results of a referendum, suggesting they might face political consequences. Furthermore, Uddin urged the government not to allow the recently resigned president, Mohammad Shahabuddin, to travel abroad until he is investigated for alleged corruption involving Tk 80,000 crore from Islami Bank, urging the Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct a thorough inquiry. He also expressed dissatisfaction with civic services in Dhaka, describing the city as plagued by extortion and tender manipulation, with poor waste management and frequent waterlogging due to inadequate urban planning.