Radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Shafiqur Rahman expressed confidence that his party could win the crucial Bangladeshi national elections through the voters’ mandate. Speaking in Dhaka after casting his vote at the Monipur High School and College polling center, Rahman emphasized the importance of free and fair elections.
Rahman, as quoted by Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, The Daily Star, stated, “If the voting is held in a free and fair manner, we will accept the results. Others should also accept the verdict of the people.” He further expressed hopes for a peaceful and violence-free election that would lead to the formation of a government representing the entire population.
Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced against Jamaat-e-Islami and its leader, Shafiqur Rahman, for allegedly using religious and financial inducements to sway voters in an effort to establish Bangladesh’s first Islamist-led government. Reports suggest that the party has been distributing pamphlets offering monetary incentives to voters supporting them, with promises of spiritual benefits in the afterlife.
According to NDTV, the Jamaat coalition has circulated pamphlets promising Bangladeshi taka 15,000 to voters who endorse the party. The document assures voters of a sin-free afterlife and salvation from grave punishment for supporting Shafiqur Rahman. Voters were instructed to bring camera phones to polling booths to photograph their stamped ballot papers as evidence of voting for the party leader.
The party’s pamphlet also mentioned that the pledged amount of 15,000 taka would be transferred to voters via bKash or cash after the election results are declared. Additionally, voters were assured of receiving some advance payment through bKash as part of the inducement strategy.
