Islami Andolan, led by the Pir of Char Monai, has firmly stated it will not participate in any election without fundamental reforms. The party strongly advocates for a proportional representation electoral system. Speaking after a dialogue with the National Consensus Commission in the National Parliament on Wednesday, the party’s Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman questioned the Election Commission’s preparations, saying, “On what basis are they preparing for an election?” He emphasized that superficial reforms are not enough—deep and structural reforms must precede any election. He added that local elections must be held before parliamentary elections and that future elections must be conducted under a non-partisan caretaker government.

Proposal for Separate Sharia Benches in Courts

Ataur Rahman stated that the party has proposed to the commission the establishment of separate Sharia benches from lower to higher courts. Currently, matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance are adjudicated under Sharia law. Islami Andolan suggests that if both the plaintiff and defendant agree, they should have the option to go to a Sharia court. He clarified that Sharia law would not be imposed on anyone, comparing the system to banking, where customers can choose between conventional and Sharia-compliant banking. Similarly, the proposed Sharia court would be optional and based on mutual consent. Islami Andolan proposes that these courts be established through an ordinance or public referendum.

Constitutional Amendment Proposal: Trust in Allah

The party also proposed restoring “trust and faith in Allah” in the foundational principles of the Constitution, instead of promoting pluralism. It agreed with the commission’s proposal for a bicameral parliament, with both chambers formed through proportional voting systems.

Proposal for Direct Competition Between Men and Women in Elections

Islami Andolan opposed gender quotas, considering them disrespectful. Instead, it proposes that men and women be given equal opportunities to compete directly in all elections. While the commission suggested maintaining the current system for the lower house, Islami Andolan stressed that the upper house must reflect proportional vote shares. Ataur Rahman argued that without proportional representation, the country cannot escape authoritarianism and thus requires a bicameral system.

Proposal for Direct Presidential Elections

While the commission suggested 50% of upper house MPs be non-partisan, Islami Andolan disagreed, asserting that political parties should nominate all candidates. The party proposed direct presidential elections, a two-term limit for prime ministers, and that elections be held under a non-partisan caretaker government.

Local Elections Before National Elections

Despite the BNP’s preference for national elections first, Islami Andolan emphasized that local elections must come first. The party opposes electing mayors or chairpersons through votes from councillors or members. It proposes direct elections by the public for positions like district council chairman. The party also supports strengthening district councils rather than abolishing them.

Proposal to Revoke Presidential Clemency Without Victim’s Consent

The party proposed canceling the president’s power to grant clemency without the consent of the victim and called for specific laws to address religious defamation. Islami Andolan supports the creation of a separate secretariat for the judiciary and proposed that district commissioners should not have magistracy powers, which should instead belong to judicial magistrates. They also called for the repeal of the Official Secrets Act of 1923.

Police Reform and Gender Issues

Islami Andolan supported recommendations from the Police Reform Commission and submitted nine new proposals aimed at ensuring an independent police force. During the dialogue, the party objected to the gender reform commission's report. However, the National Consensus Commission clarified that gender reform was outside its jurisdiction and advised the party to raise such issues with the chief advisor.