Dhaka, 5 March 2026 – Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has formally called for the interrogation and legal accountability of former government advisers Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Khalilur Rahman, alleging their involvement in undermining fair electoral processes. The party claims that the duo engaged in activities amounting to “election engineering,” preventing certain political forces from establishing a strong position in mainstream politics.
The demand was made during a press conference at Jamaat’s central office in Mogbazar, Dhaka, by party Deputy Leader and Naib Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. Taher pointed to recent statements by Rizwana Hasan that he said suggested attempts to influence the electoral process. “Her comments indicate that administrative machinery may have been utilised to favour some political actors while sidelining others,” he stated.
Taher elaborated that district commissioners (DCs), police superintendents (SPs), upazila executive officers (UNOs), officers-in-charge (OCs), and presiding officers might have been deployed with political intent, rather than neutrality. He emphasised that a comprehensive, independent investigation is necessary to uncover the full scope of these allegations.
Addressing the government directly, Taher said, “Rizwana Hasan must be brought under formal questioning so that the details of the situation she described are presented to the nation. It is essential to clarify who was involved and how the election was influenced.”
Khalilur Rahman, who transitioned from security adviser to Foreign Minister, was also criticised. Taher alleged that Rahman’s decision to assume ministerial office contradicted his earlier pledge to maintain neutrality during the caretaker government’s tenure. Furthermore, he accused Rahman of participating in political conspiracies from abroad, purportedly influencing government decisions in favour of certain actors.
Taher underscored that Jamaat had previously raised concerns about the impartiality of several interim advisers before the election, but these were reportedly ignored. Recent statements and unfolding events, he argued, further substantiate allegations of election manipulation.
Other senior party figures present at the press briefing included Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Opposition Whip Rafiqul Islam Khan, Dhaka-12 MP Saiful Alam Khan, and central executive committee members lawyers Shishir Monir and Zahidur Rahman. All stressed the need for impartial inquiry to ensure electoral transparency.
Table: Key Allegations and Demands by Jamaat-e-Islami
| Allegation | Targeted Individuals | Jamaat’s Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Election engineering preventing fair political participation | Syeda Rizwana Hasan | Interrogation, full investigation, legal action |
| Contradiction of neutrality pledge | Khalilur Rahman | Clarification of involvement, accountability |
| Use of administrative machinery for political advantage | DCs, SPs, UNOs, OCs, presiding officers | Independent review of appointments and decisions |
| Foreign-based political conspiracies affecting governance | Khalilur Rahman | Detailed disclosure and investigation |
| Overall electoral manipulation | Multiple actors | Transparent and impartial investigation to restore public trust |
Jamaat leaders stressed that to strengthen democratic processes and restore public confidence, these allegations must be examined thoroughly, and truthfully, through a neutral and comprehensive probe.