Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman accused the government of making parliament ineffective, saying his party had initially sought to ensure its smooth functioning through cooperation.
“We wanted parliament to be meaningful, effective and functional. We did not call for opposing everything and disrupting proceedings from the very first day,” he said.
He made the remarks at a programme marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day at Moghbazar in the capital on Friday.
Shafiqur said his party had sought to support the government on legitimate issues while raising objections and resisting actions it considered unjust.
However, the government’s conduct suggested that it did not want parliament to function properly, he alleged.
He accused the ruling party of using its two-thirds majority to pass decisions hastily without distinguishing between right and wrong.
Referring to the proposed replacement of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) with a Special Response Battalion (SRB), Shafiqur said changing the force’s name while retaining its manpower and organisational structure would not bring meaningful change.
Jamaat had proposed returning RAB personnel to their respective parent forces and holding consultations before forming a new force, he said.
The opposition leader also accused the government of failing to honour its commitment to implement the outcome of the referendum held before the election.
“Whether it is the caretaker government system or reforms, they have refused to accept them. They must accept them,” he said.
He also criticised the government’s decision to pursue constitutional amendments instead of broader constitutional reforms.
Shafiqur further alleged that ruling party loyalists were being appointed to important positions at universities, district councils and city corporations.
Questioning recent changes at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Public Service Commission (PSC), he asked why the ACC chairman had been replaced and the PSC chairman and members removed.
Referring to the PSC leadership changes, he said students had previously launched movements demanding merit-based recruitment, yet the commission’s chairman was sent off after being served tea. Two other members were also removed later, he claimed.
He also criticised government leaders for talking about recognising and rehabilitating their leaders and activists who had faced repression and deprivation over the past 17 and a half years.
“That is an insult to the nation and the youth. We protested against it, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
Questioning the recognition of participants in the 2024 mass uprising, Shafiqur said Jamaat had taken part in the movement but had never claimed credit for it.
He called on the government to change course and take a clear position against domination by foreign powers.
He also vowed to continue the fight against extortion and corruption and for establishing justice in society.
