Dhaka: Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, asserted that the government should take responsibility for bringing deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh to face trial. During a view-exchange meeting with local journalists at the Bagerhat Circuit House, he accused the Awami League of damaging the country’s political landscape and stated that the party is currently incapable of resuming political activities.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr. Rahman expressed that the Awami League has not only disrupted the political environment but also fostered a climate of fear and loss. He alleged that the party established a ‘reign of terror’ and was responsible for numerous enforced disappearances, with several individuals still unaccounted for. He emphasized that merely altering its appearance would not suffice for the Awami League to return to politics, as the party has yet to offer any apology or show remorse.
Dr. Rahman warned against recruiting Awami League members into Jamaat to strengthen its ranks, clarifying that central leadership approval is required for such actions. He mentioned that no requests for membership from Awami League members have been received.
Addressing inquiries regarding Sheikh Hasina, Dr. Rahman reiterated the need for her return to face legal proceedings, insisting on a fair trial devoid of any injustice. He also discussed the challenges faced by the opposition in Parliament, noting that lawmakers encounter procedural hurdles when attempting to speak on strategic issues. He urged the government to eliminate these obstacles to facilitate unhindered parliamentary discourse.
Dr. Rahman highlighted the nation’s pressing issues, such as shortages of oil, gas, and electricity, which have led to public discontent with the government’s performance. He encouraged people to evaluate both ruling and opposition parties’ activities over a five-year period, after which they would deliver their verdict.
He condemned the use of physical force in politics, advocating for principled and judicious political conduct aimed at serving the populace. Dr. Rahman disclosed that four Jamaat members had been killed since the February parliamentary elections, and emphasized Jamaat’s stance of cooperating with the government when necessary and opposing when appropriate.
Finally, he underscored the importance of media freedom, advocating for its independence. The meeting was organized by the District Jamaat, chaired by Ameer Maulana Rezaul Karim, and concluded with Dr. Rahman’s participation in the district Jamaat members’ conference at the Alia Madrasah premises in Bagerhat town.