“What can be resolved in Parliament will be resolved there. If not, it will be resolved on the streets," warned
Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman.
"We cannot abandon the people’s demand. We are committed, and we will not betray the people. This demand will be realised -- if not today, then tomorrow, In sha Allah,” he said while speaking at a views exchange meeting with journalists in Dhaka.
Street protests in 2024 had brought the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina regime and now similar threats are being issued to the BNP regime led by new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The Bangladesh opposition leader now says the opposition will not nominate representatives to the government’s proposed committee on constitutional amendment.
He said the people’s demand was constitutional reform, and that was why the referendum was held, with 70 percent of voters supporting it.
“If a committee is formed for reform, we will consider it. But for amendment, no committee is needed. That is routine work. Bills will come from the treasury bench, we will join the debate, and they will either pass or be rejected. Committees are required only for reform,” he added.
He pledged a more assertive role of the opposition at the parliament, stating, “Our decision is different. We will not be a tamed opposition. Nor will we act in ways that undermine public interest. If our logical proposals are dismissed, we may walk out, but not permanently,” he said.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is a conservative Islamist party that has historically maintained strong pro-Pakistan ties. While the party was previously banned, the United States has increasingly reached out to Jamaat hardliners to establish alliances in a shifting political landscape.
Rebranding
Facing scrutiny for their historical ties to Pakistan, Jamaat has attempted to rebrand itself as a moderate, democratic, and reform-minded force.
However, experts remain deeply concerned about the party's hardline disposition, advocacy for Sharia law, and polarizing rhetoric.
Khaleeda Zia and Sheikh Hasina
The Washington Post reported US diplomats are looking to step up their engagement with the group, basing its claim on audio recordings obtained by the newspaper. The US newspaper also reported that an American diplomat downplayed concerns that the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh would try to force its interpretation of Islamic law on Bangladesh.
The pro-Pakistan Bangladesh Jamaat-E-Islami was banned under the Sheikh Hasina regime for terror links, and it was a key force in the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government through street protests in August 2024.
It has also been blamed for the violence against minorities especially Hindus.
ends
No comments:
Post a Comment