Jamaat Ameer and Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman has called for the trial of all alleged crimes committed during the fascist regime, including killings, enforced disappearances, and other human rights violations.
Speaking at the closing session of the first sitting of the 13th National Parliament, he said the government should be supported in its positive initiatives while being firmly opposed where it errs.
“All crimes committed during the fascist period must be brought to justice – every killing, every disappearance, every violation of human rights and every case of rape must be investigated and tried,” he said.
Shafiqur Rahman also questioned the transparency of ongoing judicial processes, saying the public remains uncertain about progress in such cases.
“We cannot understand whether a green, red or black flag is being raised in the court of justice. We want to see a green flag,” he remarked.
He said the nation must not be deprived of justice and that the rights of victims must be ensured. “We will not betray the expectations of the nation. The rights of the oppressed must reach them,” he said, adding that unresolved suffering of victims and their families places a moral responsibility on the state.
Referring to the Constitution, he noted differing political views regarding its adoption and subsequent amendments. He said while many accept the 1972 Constitution in full, others have reservations, and it has undergone changes over time, including during the tenure of late president Ziaur Rahman.
He stressed that citizens must operate within the framework of the existing constitution while continuing to advocate for reforms through democratic means. “We may continue our demands, but we do not engage in rebellion against the state. If a demand is not justified, it can be withdrawn,” he said.
The opposition leader also highlighted concerns over violence linked to land disputes and political conflicts, saying many lives have been lost unnecessarily. He criticised economic inequality, arguing that a small group should not control the majority of national resources.
On law and order, he said citizens want a stable and secure environment rather than political comparisons between successive governments. He urged the home ministry to prioritise security in vulnerable areas.
Shafiqur Rahman also called for improved safety in educational institutions, saying campuses must be free from violence. “We want students to enter as children and leave as responsible, skilled, and patriotic citizens,” he said.
He further emphasised the importance of prioritising education and healthcare, particularly strengthening research at the tertiary level. “The future of the nation depends on research, yet it is still treated as secondary,” he added.
