Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman has said the Awami League has no immediate scope to resume political activities, accusing the party of damaging the country’s political environment.
He made the remarks during a meeting with journalists at the Bagerhat Circuit House on Friday morning.
Shafiqur said the government should take responsibility for bringing back former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to the country so that she can face legal proceedings.
He said the trial process should be conducted fairly and that his party does not support any form of unjust trial.
“The Awami League has harmed the country’s politics. It created an atmosphere of fear and caused many families to lose their loved ones. Many people were subjected to enforced disappearance, and some are still missing,” he said.
The Jamaat chief said the party cannot regain political acceptance merely by changing its image. “The Awami League has not apologised for its actions, and there has been no expression of regret from its leadership. At the same time, provocative statements from the neighbouring country are continuing,” he added.
He also cautioned against allowing Awami League leaders and activists to join Jamaat simply to increase the party’s organisational strength. However, he clarified that any decision regarding new members requires approval from the party’s central leadership.
“No one has applied to us seeking such permission. Therefore, no one has been included in the party,” he said.
Responding to questions from journalists about Sheikh Hasina, Shafiqur said she should be brought back to face the verdict already delivered against her and the legal proceedings that remain pending.
“The trial must be based on fairness. We do not want an unfair judicial process,” he said.
Speaking about parliamentary affairs, the opposition leader alleged that opposition lawmakers sometimes face difficulties in raising strategic issues in the Parliament.
He said procedural challenges occasionally prevent them from speaking freely, though the Speaker does not stop them once they are given the floor.
“I hope the government will take steps to remove these barriers,” he said.
Shafiqur also criticised the government over various public concerns, including shortages of fuel, gas and electricity.
He said people have become dissatisfied with government activities within a short period and would evaluate the performance of both the ruling and opposition parties over the full five-year term.
“After five years, the people will give their verdict,” he said.
The Jamaat leader reiterated that violence and muscle power should have no role in politics.
He said politics should be based on principles, wisdom and public service rather than physical strength.
“Since the independence of Bangladesh, we have unfortunately witnessed the use of muscle power in politics. The purpose of politics is to serve the people,” he said.
Shafiqur claimed that four Jamaat members had been killed in the country since the parliamentary elections held in February. He said Jamaat supports the government where cooperation is necessary and opposes it where opposition is required.
He further said that although the ruling party runs the government, it does not mean all citizens vote for it, as people exercise their democratic choice through voting.
The Jamaat ameer also expressed concern over media freedom, saying journalists should be allowed to work independently.
The meeting was organised by the Bagerhat district Jamaat unit and chaired by its Ameer Maulana Rezaul Karim.
Later, Shafiqur Rahman attended the district Jamaat members’ (Rukon) conference held on the Alia Madrasa premises in Bagerhat town.
