Opposition's role to be constitutional and constructive: Jamaat tells Editors
As the opposition party in the parliament, Jamaat-e-Islami has presented its position to newspaper editors, saying that its political role will be constitutional and constructive.
The editors also advised Jamaat-e-Islami to ensure that the country does not become unstable even if it launches movements on the streets.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar made the remarks after the discussion meeting on Monday (24August).
The meeting between editors and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman was held at the opposition leader’s official residence on Minto Road in the capital.
It was the first meeting between the parliamentary opposition leader and newspaper editors after the government completed six months in office.
Mia Golam Parwar said Jamaat’s opposition would be constitutional and constructive. The meeting also discussed the prevailing situation in the country as well as geopolitical and international affairs. Jamaat’s policies were presented at the meeting.
“The editors advised us that even if the opposition launches movements on the streets, the country should not be destabilised,” he said.
He said Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman outlined the role being played by Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance in Parliament amid the current situation.
“He highlighted Jamaat’s role in resolving national problems and public suffering, particularly the crisis over implementing the people’s mandate expressed through the referendum held on the basis of the July Charter,” Parwar said.
He said Shafiqur Rahman also highlighted Jamaat’s role as the main opposition party, both inside and outside Parliament.
According to Parwar, the Jamaat chief told the editors that the party had decided to break away from the traditional bad practices of opposition parties in the past and maintain overall stability in the country by cooperating with the government on good initiatives while resisting all unjust and anti-people activities.
“The editors praised Jamaat’s policy,” he said.
Parwar alleged that the current ruling party was discriminating against opposition MPs in Parliament.
“They are discriminating against opposition MPs in development activities, allocation of funds, speaking in Parliament, lawmaking and even in accepting various notices,” he said.
He said Jamaat was playing a role in addressing the electricity, oil and gas crises, implementing the referendum verdict, keeping commodity prices under control and protecting the rights of expatriate Bangladeshis.
“Despite this, we have not received fair treatment from the Speaker. Rather, we have been subjected to discrimination,” he said, adding that Jamaat Ameer raised these issues at the meeting.
Parwar said Shafiqur Rahman urged editors to uphold the truth through their writings and responsibly contribute to the country’s democratic transition.
“The editors expressed the view that Jamaat is different from the opposition parties of the past. Jamaat wants to make Parliament effective through constructive means. The government must also act responsibly. The opposition alone cannot achieve this,” he said.
Editors attending the meeting
Those present included Daily Amar Desh Editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Ittefaq Editor Tasmiema Hossain, Jai Jai Din Editor Shafik Rehman, Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Naya Diganta Editor Salahuddin Muhammad Babar, Daily Wada Editor Shafiqul Alam, Inqilab Editor A M M Bahauddin, Pratidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan, Manobkantha Editor Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, E-Din Editor Md Saidul Islam Saju, Khabarer Kagoj Editor Mostafa Kamal, Bhorer Dak Editor K M Belayet Hossain, Ajker Patrika Editor Kamrul Hasan, Desh Rupantor Executive Editor Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, Banijjo Protidin Editor Gias Uddin, Karatoa Editor Mozammel Haque, Janata Editor Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Agamirsomoy Editor Mostafa Mamun, Shirshokagoj Editor Ekramul Haque, The New Nation Editor Md Mokarram Hossain, Green Watch Editor Mostafa Kamal Majumder, The Evening News Editor A B M Selim Ahmed, Daily Sun Deputy Editor Al Amin, The Business Standard Joint Editor Sazzadur Rahman, Daily Sangram News Editor Shamsul Arefin, and Sonar Bangla News Editor Ferdous Ahmad Bhuiyan, among others.
Also present were Jamaat-e-Islami Naib-e-Ameer and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Dr A H M Hamidur Rahman Azad, Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Executive Council member Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Abdur Rob, Central Executive Council member and Dhaka South City Jamaat Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, Dhaka North City Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Selim Uddin, South City Jamaat Secretary Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, North City Jamaat Secretary Dr Rezaul Karim, Central Working Committee members Muhammad Zahidur Rahman and Delwar Hossain, and Central Majlis-e-Shura members Barrister Najibur Rahman Momen and Ataur Rahman Sarker, among others.