Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has demanded an explanation from Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin over his remarks regarding the shooting of Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Moncho.

Criticising the CEC's comments, the Jamaat chief said the statement had deeply hurt the nation.

"Because of this painful and cowardly attack on Osman Hadi, the whole nation -- anyone who has even a little human feeling -- is deeply shocked. Everyone is expressing sympathy. At such a time, a person holding a very responsible position, the head of the EC, which will effectively oversee the country in the coming days, made a statement that, I believe, has hurt people like me and many others."

He made the remarks yesterday while speaking as the chief guest at a Victory Day discussion organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South at the Jatiya Press Club.

Earlier in the day, CEC Nasir said the country's law and order situation has not deteriorated, describing the recent shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi as an isolated incident.

"I would politely request him [CEC] to explain his statement. It is his responsibility to remove the pain his words have caused in the minds of the people. He must prove that he is fit to hold such a sensitive and responsible position. I urge him to clarify his statement before the nation without delay. Then, if the nation's pain is eased, that is one outcome; otherwise, the nation will decide for itself. It will be one of the two."

Referring to calls for the CEC's resignation, he said: "Many are demanding his resignation today. We would ask them not to resign, but to prove that they are capable of performing their duties. If they fail to do so, remember that August 5 will come again."

"If '24 had not happened, the Chief Election Commissioner who made this statement from such a responsible position would not be here today. If '24 had not happened, many of those serving in the current interim government would have been in jail. So '24 is not just a part of our history; it is a part of our hearts. Respecting '24 means respecting Bangladesh and its people. I humbly request everyone to respect '71, and in the same way, to respect '24 as well.

"If we are elected with the love of the people of this country, we will build a united nation by including everyone. We will invite all to join us in forming the government," he added.

The goals and objectives of the Liberation War have still not been realised, said Rafiqul Islam Khan, assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami.

"Those who were in power changed their own fortunes, but the fortunes of the people did not change."

He also called for the resignation of the home affairs adviser over the attack on Osman Hadi.

The discussion was chaired by Jamaat's Dhaka South Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul.