Dhaka, April 26 -- Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday challenged the Election Commission (EC) to prove its commitment to fair elections by holding local government polls before the national vote, framing it as a litmus test for the Commission's credibility and capacity.

"There is now an Election Commission in place, which claims it will deliver the best election in the country's history," Rahman said while addressing a party conference in Mymensingh. "We want an acid test from them. Hold local elections first and let us see your sincerity and capability."

He argued that the prolonged absence of elected representatives in local government bodies has left citizens without basic services and accountability. "Show yo...