Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman on Friday questioned the BNP-led government’s efforts to curb corruption, asking why corruption had not stopped if all state affairs were being run according to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directives.
He made the remarks while addressing the triennial national conference of the Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium of the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Shafiqur’s comments came a day after BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said corruption had not disappeared despite the change in government, as some people involved in corrupt practices were still continuing their activities.
“Those who used to take bribes are finding new ways to do so. Those who used to block good work are still doing the same. Many people have changed their colours. Those who changed their colours have now become major July fighters,” Mirza Fakhrul said at an event on Thursday.
He also said he remained hopeful because he saw a change in one person- Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Referring to the BNP secretary general’s remarks, Shafiqur said, “A senior leader of theirs has expressed disappointment, saying corruption could not be stopped during the five months of this government; rather, it has increased.”
“According to him, everyone except Tarique Rahman is involved in corruption. If the prime minister does not want corruption, how can others continue doing it? If everything runs on his directives, why does corruption not stop on his instructions?” he asked.
Shafiqur claimed that such an admission meant the government had lost its moral right to remain in power.
He also accused BNP leaders and activists of involvement in extortion, particularly in the transport sector.
“The government of Tarique Rahman is trying to reduce it to some extent. But through this, a second phase of extortion has been given national recognition,” he said.
Criticising the government’s employment promises, he said many people did not want jobs linked to roadside transport stands.
At the conference, the Jamaat chief alleged that BNP leaders and activists were collecting money from transport workers through extortion.
Calling on the government to avoid what he described as reckless decisions, Shafiqur said, “Allah has saved this nation from a great danger. Do not bring another disaster upon the nation through hasty actions. Otherwise, you will be thrown into the dustbin of history.”
He warned that Jamaat would not spare anyone who acted against public interests and said the party would not bow to any form of domination.
Claiming that Jamaat was facing “thousands of conspiracies”, Shafiqur said, “Allah is sufficient for us. We place our ultimate trust in Allah.”
He also warned that the government would not be allowed to ignore the verdict of the referendum.
Calling for unity over the July uprising, Shafiqur said no individual or group should claim sole credit for the movement.
“The uprising does not belong to anyone alone. The martyrs are not the property of any political party; they are the assets of the nation,” he said.
The Jamaat chief alleged that injured people and families of those killed during the July uprising were not receiving proper recognition and support.
He said many injured people and those who became disabled were still struggling and unable to work.
At the conference, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan said creating a corruption-free transport sector required corruption-free leadership.
The event was chaired by Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation President Kabir Ahmed. Bangladesh Labour Welfare Federation President Atiqur Rahman and General Secretary Laskar Mohammad Taslim also spoke.
