Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, stated that no election in Bangladesh will be effective without substantial reforms—an opinion he conveyed to the European Union during his recent visit to Brussels. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Westin Hotel on Thursday (April 17), he shared details of his EU tour and also mentioned meeting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in London.

The purpose of the EU visit, he explained, was to strengthen ties between Bangladesh and Europe. Discussions covered a range of key topics, including democracy, the electoral system, economy, trade, and the Rohingya crisis. He urged the EU to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the potential of the country’s workforce and how such investments could generate jobs and stabilize industries. Proposals were also made regarding the development of economic zones.

Addressing the issue of Bangladeshi expatriates, Dr. Rahman said most migrants wish to return home, as many live under harsh conditions abroad due to a lack of skill training. He appealed to the EU for cooperation in building a skilled workforce. He also raised concerns about the plight of families struggling to repatriate the bodies of deceased workers.

On the Rohingya matter, he emphasized solidarity with the oppressed and urged effective steps to ensure the refugees’ repatriation. Regarding elections, he stressed that Jamaat has no objection to polls held under a reformed interim government, but warned the EU that without reform, future elections would lack credibility. Jamaat, he asserted, does not support another disputed election.

Commenting on his London trip, he clarified that visiting Khaleda Zia was a key objective, during which political matters were naturally discussed. On the party’s registration status, Dr. Rahman said it was unjustly revoked and expressed hope for reinstatement.