A four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday held a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, focusing on various election-related issues ahead of the upcoming national polls and referendum.

The meeting was held in the evening at the state guest house Jamuna, with Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman leading the delegation. Other members included Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Mia Golam Parwar and Rafiqul Islam Khan.

Among the advisers present were Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud; Adviser for Housing and Public Works, Industries, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adilur Rahman Khan; and Adviser for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources as well as Road Transport, Bridges and Railways Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan.

During the meeting, the Jamaat leaders informed the Chief Adviser that the party would launch its full-scale election campaign from January 22. They said Jamaat-e-Islami has already begun campaigning in favour of a “Yes” vote in the referendum and that both election and referendum campaigns would continue simultaneously from January 22.

The Jamaat delegation also drew the Chief Adviser’s attention to several election-related concerns.

Stressing the importance of a credible vote, Professor Yunus said, “We must ensure a good election at any cost. Any urgent information, complaint or opinion related to the election should be conveyed to us. We will immediately bring it to the attention of the Election Commission, and if the government needs to take any action, we will do so.”

He said most polling centres would be brought under CCTV surveillance within a very short time, with installations to be completed by January. In centres considered high-risk, officials on duty will use body cameras, he added, noting that all footage will be monitored from a control room and recorded so that immediate action can be taken in case of any untoward incident.

Addressing concerns over government campaigning in favour of a “Yes” vote in the referendum, the Chief Adviser said some quarters have questioned its legality. “We have consulted all relevant stakeholders and confirmed that there is no legal barrier,” he said, adding that the interim government, formed through a mass uprising, has a mandate to stand for reforms.

“We must successfully hold both the election and the referendum. No matter what anyone says, the election will be held on February 12. This election will not be a flawed one,” Professor Yunus said. “Ensuring a free, fair and festive election is a collective responsibility of all of us—the government, the Election Commission and political parties. We seek cooperation from all political parties.”

He also said steps would be taken to establish effective mechanisms at the local level, involving representatives of all political parties and relevant stakeholders, to resolve disputes that may arise during the election period.

In addition, a hotline will be launched to receive all kinds of election-related complaints, he said.

Calling for unity beyond electoral outcomes, the Chief Adviser urged all political forces to remain united after the polls, regardless of victory or defeat, and to work together for the success of the election and the welfare of the country.