Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has said there will be no compromise on the country’s independence and sovereignty, stressing that safeguarding the nation is the responsibility of all citizens.
Speaking as chief guest at an exchange of views meeting with journalists at the Netrokona Circuit House on Friday, he said, “This country belongs to all of us—you, me, and everyone. We will not allow anyone to set foot on even an inch of our land, not even a grain of sand.”
He added that, if necessary, people would stand alongside the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) driven by patriotism and faith.
On the issue of narcotics, Rahman criticised the government’s approach to drug control, saying that mere regulation was not enough.
While noting that a drug control bill has been placed in Parliament, he called for the complete eradication of drugs from society.
“Control means suppressing it to some extent, but we want drugs completely wiped out from society,” he said, adding that drugs were being “nurtured”, contributing to social decay. He also raised concerns in Parliament over alleged drug shipments passing through the home minister’s constituency, saying the minister should first address issues in his own area.
On the role of the opposition, Shafiqur said his party would support positive government initiatives while pointing out mistakes, but warned against ignoring their concerns.
“The opposition will not oppose blindly, but the ruling party must listen to us. If they do not, the opposition will roar like a tiger in the House,” he said.
He also criticised the pace of national development, saying it moved at the “speed of a monitor lizard” for nine months of the year and only accelerated to the “speed of a rocket” in the final three months.
The meeting was chaired by Maulana Sadek Ahmad Harish, Ameer of Netrokona District Jamaat-e-Islami, and moderated by Zahirul Islam, District Publicity and Media Secretary.
Central Executive Council member and Mymensingh Region Director Principal Shahabuddin, Netrokona-5 MP Masum Mostafa, and other regional leaders were also present.
After the media briefing, Shafiqur attended a Rokon conference and a separate meeting on party organisational activities.
