Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended an Iftar gathering organised by Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday afternoon at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, capital, at the invitation of the main opposition party in parliament.
At the Iftar, the prime minister and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman were seated at the same table, accompanied by leaders from both the BNP and Jamaat.
In a brief speech, thanking the hosts for the invitation, the prime minister said, “Today, at this Iftar gathering, let us take an oath in the name of Allah that our work in the days ahead will be to change the fate of the people of this country. Let us seek that mercy from Allah, through which He will grant us the ability to work for changing the fate of the people of this country, for changing the destiny of this nation.”
Tarique Rahman said, “The people of Bangladesh today are looking at us with many expectations, many aspirations, and many hopes – especially looking towards the political parties.”
“Today, at an important time, we have all gathered here, at a crucial moment for the country. Elections were held in the country a few days ago, and through these elections, the journey of democracy has begun. For this democracy, the people of Bangladesh have given their lives unflinchingly for over a decade, suffering various atrocities, oppressions, enforced disappearances, and murders.”
He said, “It is through so much sacrifice that we have attained this opportunity – the journey of democracy which is commencing, or has commenced, through this election. Through this sacrifice, through the oppression of thousands, the persecution of millions, we have regained the opportunity to exercise our freedom of speech and democratic rights. Therefore, first and foremost, let us offer our gratitude to Allah.”
Among those attending the Iftar were Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas and Moyeen Khan, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Jagpa spokesperson Rashad Pradhan, Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, LDP President Oli Ahmad, Ducsu VP Shadik Kayem, along with MPs, dignitaries, journalists, and people from various professions.
