Dr. Shafiqur Rahman
Awami League should not return to politics without remorse
Guests at a meeting with journalists at the Bagerhat Circuit House. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said the Awami League should not return to politics without expressing remorse or regret to the nation for past events.
He said bringing the party back into politics solely for political calculations or to strengthen a political alliance would be an injustice and a heinous crime.
He made the remarks at a meeting with journalists at the Bagerhat Circuit House on Friday morning.
Responding to a question about the Awami League’s political future, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said he believes it is not yet time for the party to return to politics. The Awami League has destroyed the country’s politics, established a reign of terror, and countless people have been subjected to enforced disappearance, murder and torture. However, the party has yet to express any remorse for these incidents.
He further said there has been no sign of remorse among those who have been responsible for the enforced disappearance and killing of countless people, crippled many others and taken a stand against an entire generation. Therefore, bringing them back into politics solely for political gain cannot be supported.
Regarding the government’s responsibility, the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer said, “It is the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order in the country. The more efficiently the government performs this responsibility, the more orderly the country will be governed.”
He said they are cooperating in Parliament wherever cooperation is needed, while engaging in constructive opposition where necessary.
Regarding the July Charter, he said the positions of the two sides still differ on the issue. The verdict of 70 percent of the people of the country must be respected, and under no circumstances will they allow that verdict to be undermined.
Responding to a question about the role of the opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “In the past, there have been incidents of clashes, throwing files and indecent behavior in Parliament. They do not want such a Parliament. Rather, they want to build a civilized, decent and dignified Parliament. From the very first day, their role as the opposition has been constructive, and that will continue in the future. They will not move away from that position under any provocation.”
The meeting was chaired by Bagerhat district Jamaat Ameer Maulana Rezaul Karim. Members of the Central Executive Committee of Bangladesh Jamaat e Islami and MP Principal Mohammad Izzat Ullah, Bagerhat 1 constituency MP Maulana Md. Mashiur Rahman, Bagerhat 2 constituency MP Sheikh Manzurul Haque Rahad, Bagerhat 4 constituency MP Principal Md. Abdul Alim, along with leaders of Jamaat at various levels in the district, were present.
More than 50 journalists from print, electronic and online media outlets working in Bagerhat were also present.
After the meeting, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman joined a Rokon conference organized on the premises of Bagerhat Kamil Madrasa. He is scheduled to offer Friday prayers at the Sixty Dome Mosque before leaving for Dhaka by road.
