Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Saturday said that his party would not hesitate to assume the role of the opposition if the government ignored its advice, stressing that constructive cooperation would depend on the government’s responsiveness to national interests.
Speaking at an iftar gathering organised by Jamaat at the China-Maitree Conference Centre, he said Jamaat was ready to fully support all appropriate and people-friendly steps taken by the government.
However, he cautioned that if the party found any decision inconsistent with public welfare, it would first offer advice and extend cooperation in good faith.
“If the government accepts our suggestions, we will be grateful, and the nation will benefit,” he said. “But if our advice is not accepted, we will play the role of the opposition. We will stand for national rights and call upon the people to join us.”
The Jamaat chief emphasised that his party did not seek confrontation but wanted parliament to function meaningfully as a centre for public aspirations.
He criticised what he described as “dummy opposition” in the past, saying such arrangements neither strengthened democracy nor served the people.
Shafiqu also expressed gratitude to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for her political stance during critical moments involving Jamaat leaders, adding that the responsibility of national leadership had now passed to the next generation.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the event alongside senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and allied parties, including Abdul Moin Khan, Mirza Abbas, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Amir ATM Azharul Islam, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Mamunul Haque.