BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque today urged Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to admit to its past wrongdoings, apologise to the nation, and participate in the upcoming general election.

Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, Farroque said, “I read in a newspaper that Jamaat leaders claimed proportional representation is unnecessary if people don’t want it. On this holy Friday, I pray that Almighty Allah guides them. I call on them to gradually revise their political course, acknowledge their past mistakes, seek forgiveness from the people, and take part in the polls.”

He alleged that Jamaat is putting forward different conditions as a tactic to stall the election, yet at the same time preparing for the polls by appealing to religious sentiments to gather support.

“On one side, they say they won’t contest without proportional representation or a referendum. On the other, they have already announced 300 candidates, begun campaigning in mosques, and are going door to door telling people they will enter paradise if they vote for the ‘scale’ symbol. These are not my words — residents of my constituency are saying this,” he added.

Farroque, who earlier served as the opposition chief whip in parliament, said the BNP is unconcerned about Jamaat’s election activities.

“I have told my supporters not to worry and to place their trust in Allah. The people of this country know well that the party of Shaheed Zia, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman has never deceived the nation while in office,” he said.