Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) say they want to play a responsible, effective and constructive role as the opposition in parliament while retaining the option of street agitation on issues of national interest.
Senior leaders of the two parties told TIMES of Bangladesh they would cooperate with the government on welfare-oriented and positive initiatives.
But they warned of tough resistance inside parliament and, if necessary, protests on the streets if there is any delay in implementing the July Charter, approved through a “Yes” vote in the referendum.
They said the current political context demands a strong and credible opposition, stressing that democracy is not confined to governance alone and that parliament cannot function fully without effective dissent. Their goal, they added, is reason-based opposition rather than confrontation.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and 11-party alliance spokesperson Hamidur Rahman Azad said, “Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman has said we want an effective parliament. We will support good initiatives.
“We will also constructively criticise the government if it goes against national interest. That is the position of the alliance.”
“The election was held on the basis of the July Charter. If there is any delay in implementing the Charter passed in the referendum, we will not tolerate it. In that case, the issue will be settled on the streets,” he added.
NCP Member Secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossen said, “We do not want to waste time in unnecessary arguments. Everyone now wants to build the country together. But if the government delays implementing the July Charter or ignores the people’s verdict, we will confront it on the streets.”
Dhaka University Political Science Professor Sabbir Ahmed said effective implementation of the opposition’s declared stance could introduce a new trend in parliamentary politics.
“Democracy can be strengthened through policy-based debate, evidence-based criticism and consensus where necessary. We hope to see that,” he said.
Active role in parliament
Party sources said the opposition plans to ensure regular attendance, scrutinise bills and proposals, actively participate in budget debates and question-and-answer sessions, and table amendments where needed.
Leaders said symbolic protest through speeches or boycotts is not the goal. Ensuring accountability through data-backed arguments and alternative policy proposals will be the priority.
They also pledged cooperation if the government takes constructive steps in education, health, the economy, employment and anti-corruption.
‘Uncompromising’ on national interest
The opposition said it would speak out against any decision that undermines national interest, sovereignty, justice or the constitutional framework.
Leaders said their response would include reasoned debate in parliament, public statements and, if required, peaceful movements. Street agitation is not their first choice, but they said they would not hesitate if the people’s verdict and interests are ignored.
Liberation War, July spirit and justice
Jamaat and NCP leaders said protecting the spirit of the Liberation War alongside the ‘July spirit’ remains a political commitment.
They demanded a swift, impartial and transparent trial of the ‘July killings’ and warned of a tough stance in parliament and possible street programmes if there are signs of delay or compromise.
Referendum reforms under watch
The opposition described the referendum as the people’s direct mandate and said its outcomes must be honoured.
“A referendum reflects the people’s decision. Ignoring it means denying that mandate,” leaders said.
They cautioned that any retreat from post-referendum reforms would signal democratic backsliding and could trigger both parliamentary protest and wider political action.
How consistently these commitments are pursued — and how effectively the opposition balances parliament and the streets — now remains the key test.
