The Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami has gained significant momentum since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a popular uprising last year. During her time in power, Hasina took a hardline stance against Jamaat-e-Islami and revoked their registration as an official political party. Last month, the Supreme Court reinstated the party's registration, paving the way for its participation in the election expected to take place next year.
In connection with the demonstration, the party presented a seven-point demand to the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. They are demanding, among other things, that the administration ensures a free, fair, and peaceful election and that a proportional electoral system is introduced.
"We are here for a new Bangladesh where Islam will be the guiding principle for the country's governance, where good and honest people will rule the country and where there will be no corruption", said Iqbal Hossain, who was one of the participants in the demonstration.
Saturday's demonstration was the first time the party was allowed to assemble in Bangladesh since 1971.
The interim government has previously announced that the election will take place in April, but the administration has not ruled out the possibility of bringing the election forward.
