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Bangladesh Islamist Party Eyes Power, Accused of Vote-Buying with Cash, Salvation

Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope for forming a government belonging to Bangladesh's 180 million people after casting his vote. His comments came amid accusations that his party is using financial and religious incentives to attract voters. A report details pamphlets offering 15,000 taka and promises of an afterlife "free of sin" to those who vote for the party. Voters are instructed to photograph their stamped ballots as proof to claim the monetary reward.

Key Points: Bangladesh Jamaat Chief on Elections, Accused of Financial Incentives

  • Party chief hopes for fair election
  • Accused of offering cash for votes
  • Pamphlets promise salvation for supporters
  • Voters told to photograph ballots as proof
  • Coalition aims for first Islamist-led government
2 min read

Govt belonging to 180 million people will be formed in Bangladesh: Jamaat chief

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman hopes for a "people's government" amid accusations his party offers cash and religious promises for votes.

"a government will be formed that does not belong to any individual, family, or party, but to the 180 million people - Shafiqur Rahman"

Dhaka, Feb 12

Radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday voiced optimism that his party would secure power through the mandate of the voters in the high-stakes Bangladeshi national elections, local media reported.

Addressing reporters in Dhaka, Rahman made the comments after casting his vote at the Monipur High School and College polling centre on Thursday morning.

"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," Bangladesh's leading newspaper, The Daily Star, quoted Rahman as saying.

"We pray that this election is peaceful, fair, free from violence and occupation, and acceptable to all. Through this vote, we hope a government will be formed that does not belong to any individual, family, or party, but to the 180 million people of this country. We are hopeful about forming such a government," he added.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami and its leader, Shafiqur Rahman, have been accused of using religion and financial incentives to attract voters in a bid to form the country's first Islamist-led government.

According to a report in NDTV, the Jamaat coalition has distributed pamphlets across the country offering Bangladeshi taka 15,000 to voters backing the party.

The document states that for families who vote for the party, their afterlife will be "free of sin", and they will gain "salvation from grave punishment".

The pamphlet, accessed by NDTV, asked voters to bring a camera phone to the polling booths and take photographs of their stamped ballot papers as proof of voting for Shafiqur Rahman.

"You must fulfil the promise of having all family members vote for the "Dari Palla" (weighing scale) symbol. This promise will make your afterlife free of sin and grant salvation from grave punishment. You must go to the centre early on election day and must bring a camera phone so that you can take a photo after stamping the ballot as proof," read the document.

The party said that the promised 15,000 taka will be sent to the voters through bKash or cash after the election results are announced, adding that voters were also promised some advanced payment through bKash.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a neighbor, we want a stable and democratic Bangladesh. But using religion to secure votes and asking for photo proof of ballots? That's not how democracy works. Hope the people see through this and vote based on development agendas, not fear or temptation. 🙏
R
Rohit P
The situation is complex. On one hand, the leader talks about a government for all people, which is what every citizen wants. On the other, the alleged tactics are shocking. Offering money and promising salvation? This mixes politics with faith in a very dangerous way. Bangladesh deserves better.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this perspective. The call for a peaceful and fair election is universal. However, the reported pamphlet distribution raises serious ethical questions about electoral integrity. The international community should be watching closely.
V
Vikram M
This is a classic case of saying all the right things publicly ("government for the people") while allegedly engaging in questionable practices behind the scenes. The stability of Bangladesh is crucial for the entire region. Hope the Election Commission there takes strong action against any malpractice.
K
Kavya N
The part about taking a photo of the ballot as proof is the most alarming. It completely violates the secret ballot, which is the cornerstone of a free election. This isn't just about one party; it's about protecting democratic principles for all Bangladeshis.

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