Should we just sit idly by while one untoward incident after another takes place? — Jamaat Ameer

Bangla Press Desk:  Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has stated that the opposition cannot remain silent in the face of the government’s repeated errors and irregularities. He emphasized that Jamaat intends to act as a responsible and conscientious opposition within the parliament; while they will support the government’s positive initiatives, they will not hesitate to criticize its mistakes.

He made these remarks on Saturday afternoon (October 24) while interacting with local journalists at the Moulvibazar Circuit House. During the discussion, the Jamaat Ameer addressed various issues, including the country’s law and order situation, corruption, extortion, the politicization of the administration, the state of the media, the rights of expatriates, and broader national politics.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman asked, "Should we just sit idly by while one untoward incident after another occurs? Will history forgive us? Why should the opposition bear the burden of the government’s mistakes?"

Criticizing the political culture of the past, he noted that there was a time when everything done by the ruling party was portrayed as good, while everything from the opposition was depicted as bad—to the point where the opposition would sometimes express support for the ruling party’s actions even before the latter had officially announced them. Now, Jamaat holds the role of the primary opposition. Some expect them to create instability by resorting to vandalism in parliament, while the ruling party expects them to offer unconditional support on all matters. Jamaat, however, will adopt neither of these approaches.

The Leader of the Opposition also expressed concern regarding the country’s law and order situation and drug control. He acknowledged that there are responsible and patriotic officers within the police force, yet the expected progress in maintaining law and order and eradicating the drug menace has not been achieved. In this regard, he suggested that the Home Minister needs to pay closer attention to the operations of his own ministry.

Pointing to the appointment of political figures to Zila Parishads (District Councils) and the politicization of the Public Service Commission (PSC), he questioned why administrative officials were not temporarily assigned to manage the Zila Parishads instead of political appointees.

Calling for effective measures against corruption and extortion, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman asserted that corrupt individuals and extortionists are not assets to any political party; rather, they cause harm to the very parties they are associated with. He alleged that the government is failing to take effective action against them.

Addressing allegations of criminal conduct against Members of Parliament and ministers, the Jamaat-e-Islami Amir stated that despite serious accusations against many, no appropriate disciplinary measures are taken. He emphasized that there is no room for granting special favors based on political considerations; while those who make mistakes should be given an opportunity for correction, those who commit crimes should not be spared.

Citing the expulsion of a Member of Parliament from his own party, he noted that it took less than 24 hours to remove the individual. He added that the party now has no further connection with the expelled member.

Discussing the role of the media, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman remarked that while the media serves as a source of information regarding events across the country, it may also bear some responsibility for the establishment of a fascist regime in the nation.

Regarding the more than 7,000 Bangladeshis imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, he noted that they would be tried in accordance with the laws of that country. However, he stressed that the Bangladesh government should be kept informed about these detainees to ensure they receive justice.

On the subject of local government elections, the Jamaat-e-Islami Amir stated that the party will not participate as part of an alliance—a practice consistent with its past approach. Decisions regarding participation in future elections will be made after assessing the prevailing situation.

BP/SP