Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Leader of the Opposition in parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, on Sunday said they would remain in parliament only as long as they can speak out against injustice.
“We will stay in parliament as long as we can fight injustice and raise our voices. If we cannot do so, we will not remain there even for a minute,” he said while addressing a view-exchange meeting in Dhaka.
The event was held at the Muktijoddha Auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), organised by an 11-party alliance, with participation from families of those killed and injured in the July movement.
Referring to past parliamentary actions, Shafiqur Rahman said his party had protested and walked out when key ordinances—including those related to enforced disappearances, human rights, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), police reforms and referendums—were repealed.
He urged people to be prepared for future protests, expressing confidence that “fascism will be defeated and the people will prevail.”
Calling for implementation of the proposed July Charter, he said constitutional reforms must reflect the will of the people. He demanded formation of a Constitution Reform Council to implement the charter based on what he described as strong public support in a referendum.
“We will cooperate with the government if it works for the people. But if it goes against the people, we will continue our protests regardless of consequences,” he said.
The Jamaat leader also criticised the Awami League, accusing it of initiating a culture of political violence and repression, and warned against any attempts to re-establish authoritarian rule.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Jamaat leaders Dr. Rezaul Karim and Muhammad Delwar Hossain, and attended by leaders from allied political parties, including LDP and NCP.
BD Pratidin English/ Jisan
