Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has called for a live public discussion with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying that political legitimacy can only be achieved through a free and fair election.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Shafiqur said that without fairness and public trust, no election result can command the confidence of the people.

Referring to the post-July uprising context, Shafiqur Rahman said political leaders have a responsibility to demonstrate that politics can be civil, transparent and non-confrontationa, particularly for the country’s youth.

He proposed that both leaders appear on a public platform under media and public scrutiny to present their respective election manifestos and allow citizens to decide.

He said such an initiative would help set a new standard for future governance based on accountability, openness to criticism, and transparency.

Calling for a “new chapter” in Bangladesh’s political culture, the Jamaat ameer urged all political actors to commit to respecting the will of the people.