Jamaat Pledges Backing for ‘Reasonable’ Govt Moves

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party would extend full support to all “reasonable” initiatives taken by the government, pledging to play a constructive and responsible role in Parliament.

He made the remarks while addressing an iftar gathering at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also spoke at the event, which was attended by leaders from various political parties.

Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat does not want to function as a conventional opposition party but aims to contribute meaningfully from the opposition benches. “We want Parliament to become effective and a centre of hope for the people. Just as the ruling party must act responsibly, we too want to play a constructive and accountable role,” he said.

He criticised what he described as the presence of a “dummy opposition” in previous parliaments, alleging that past elections had created symbolic roles for both government and opposition that failed to benefit the country.

The Jamaat chief said his party would first draw the government’s attention to any decision it considers irrational and offer recommendations. “If our proposals are accepted, the nation will benefit. If not, we will fulfil our constitutional responsibilities as an opposition party,” he added.

Expressing hope for collaborative politics, he said Parliament should serve as a vehicle to move the country forward. “A vehicle cannot run on one wheel alone. If the ruling party is the front wheel, the opposition must be the rear wheel. Both are essential,” he said.

Shafiqur Rahman also voiced optimism that lawmakers from both sides would work together to repeal what he termed “black laws” and enact reforms to help build a developed and dignified Bangladesh.

Recalling the role of former prime minister Khaleda Zia during political unrest following the sentencing of Jamaat leader Maulana Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, he expressed gratitude for her stance at the time.

He concluded by expressing hope that constructive political practice would help free the country from what he described as a long-standing culture of divisive politics.