Play store
Jamaat-e-Islami Amir and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called for a responsible and constructive approach from both the government and the opposition, saying democratic politics cannot work if only the opposition is expected to behave responsibly.
“We want to play the role of an effective and responsible opposition. But it is not enough for the opposition alone to be responsible. The government must also act in a cooperative and responsible manner,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks on Monday during an exchange of views with editors of national dailies at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition at 29 Minto Road in Dhaka.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar briefed journalists after the meeting.
According to him, the Jamaat chief outlined the role of the party and the 11-party alliance in Parliament amid the current political situation.
He said Jamaat was playing a constructive role both inside and outside Parliament on major national issues, including implementation of the people’s mandate expressed through the referendum held on the basis of the July Charter, controlling commodity prices, addressing power and energy shortages and protecting the rights of expatriate Bangladeshis.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman also presented the party’s policy of moving away from the confrontational culture of opposition politics of the past, Mia Golam Parwar said.
Under the new approach, the opposition would cooperate with the government on initiatives that serve the public interest while opposing anti-people policies and actions through democratic and institutional means, he said.
The editors reportedly welcomed the Jamaat chief’s commitment to constructive opposition politics.
The meeting also raised allegations of discriminatory treatment of opposition MPs by the government in Parliament.
Mia Golam Parwar alleged that opposition lawmakers were being discriminated against in areas including development allocations, opportunities to speak in Parliament, lawmaking and acceptance of notices.
He also alleged that the opposition was not receiving fair treatment from the Speaker.
The meeting discussed the country’s overall political situation, the changing geopolitical context and the role of the media in Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
The editors advised the opposition to maintain national stability even when conducting movements on the streets.
Addressing the editors, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the media could play an important role in strengthening democracy through truthful and responsible journalism. He sought the editors’ cooperation in this regard.
Editors and senior editors from several national newspapers attended the meeting.