Reforms first, then polls

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh was founded in 1987 by Syed Fazlul Karim, the pir of Charmonai in Barishal, as Islami Shashontantra Andolan. It took its current name in 2008. In light of the recent realignment of political forces, it has become important to understand the stance and vision of key Islamist platforms. This interview of Islami Andolan chief Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim, done on October 26, is the second in a series of interviews with leaders of Islamist parties.
The Islami Andolan Bangladesh prioritises reforms over elections but also believes the government should announce a timeline of its own accord. Still in talks with other Islamist parties for a grand coalition, Islami Andolan chief Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim told The Daily Star during an exclusive interview that it favoured proportional representation instead of the prevailing ‘first-past-the-post’ election system.
The Islamist party’s chief stressed he was unwilling to compromise on reforms. “The reforms should be done well and quickly so that we can move on to elections. But the priority must be on reforms.”
Ameer of the Islamist party established in 1987 as the Isalmi Shashantantra Andolan (which later turned into the Islami Andolan Bangladesh), Rezaul Karim, said he was not willing to wait too long either, as reforms ploughed on. “In terms of a timeline, I would say a year or a year and a half.”
“But it would be nice to hear some sort of a timeline from the interim government too,” he said regarding the next national elections.
Also the pir of Charmonai, Syed Md Rezaul Karim, said all the Islamist parties were working towards a grand coalition. “We are holding discussions and hope to have a united front for the elections.” He indicated that the Islamist parties would try to go to the polls under one umbrella and lend their support in favour of the alliance candidates instead of trying to field their own candidates in each constituency.
But when asked who would be leading such a coalition, the Islami Andolan leader said most of the parties were leaning towards a proportional representation system. “In such a system there was no need for an electoral alliance and the parties were free to campaign on their own.” He explained that in such a scenario, it would be more like a common platform, rather than an electoral alliance.
The benefit, he pointed out, was that each party would be allotted seats in the parliament according to the proportion of their votes. “That way, every single vote counts.”
He said, “We have thought about this a lot and also discussed about it with others. This system is in effect in 91 countries. Everyone benefits from such a system.”
Rezaul Karim said he believed that the prevailing system was not working out for the people. “We have seen that it only gives rise to fascism.” He indicated that successive governments over the course of Bangladesh’s existence have exhibited fascist characteristics, and proportional representation would address that issue.
As for constitutional reforms, the Islami Andolan leader explained that the previous regime had passed a number of laws that were harmful to the people and the country. He said they had also made several changes to the constitution. “Those should be the first ones to be struck out.”
Asked about the status of non-Muslims in a state that he aspires for, Rezaul Karim said Islam was the only means to a welfare state where everyone’s rights are respected. He said, “I will just say one thing to allay any apprehensions. Islam dictates that the property and assets of a non-Muslim must be treated with equal respect and must be provided equal status as that of a Muslim.” Rezaul Karim claimed that was why it had been documented in history that non-Muslims left their native lands and chose to live under Islamic rule.
When asked about women’s rights, the pir of Charmonai in Barishal said, “Islam gives more rights to women.” He continued saying that women’s liberty did not mean the right to nudity. “But unfortunately, that is what women’s liberty seems to mean. It only brings destruction to society.” However, this Islamist outfit’s predecessor Islami Shashantantra Andolan under Rezaul Karim’s father had criticised women’s sport in 2004. In fact, the organisation had taken to the streets, protesting a women’s football tournament. They declared that it was a “disgrace to women”.
He said that women’s status in Islam was, in fact is, higher than that of men. “Islam dictates that if the father and the mother call their child, the child should answer the mother first.”
Rezaul Karim said his party had hundreds of thousands of women workers but the policymaking bodies of the party — majlish-e-shura and the executive committee — do not yet have 30 percent women but on their way to getting there. When pressed for a specific number, he reiterated his previous answer that the party was in the process of having 30 percent women in its policymaking bodies.
Regarding President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Rezaul Karim said, “We think he should come forward and remove himself from office for the greater good. I think that would not be much of a problem for us.”