Ishraque Hossain Warns Opposition of Political Retaliation

Freedom Fighters Affairs State Minister Ishraque Hossain has warned that any threat to topple the government will be responded to on the streets, saying the opposition itself will be brought down if it continues such rhetoric.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while participating in the debate on the vote of thanks to the President’s address in Parliament. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal chaired the session at that stage.

Defending the legitimacy of the current government, Ishraque Hossain said, “This government did not come to power through the 2008 election. It did not come through the 2014, 2018 or 2024 elections either. We are here in Parliament with a mandate received through the people’s direct vote. If anyone thinks they can topple the government through threats and intimidation, I want to tell the Leader of the House, you may only give orders, but as in the past when we enforced voting rights and ousted the killer Hasina from the streets under your instructions, we will again take to the streets.”

He also criticized the opposition’s statements, saying, “Opposition members speak well in Parliament and we appreciate that. But the kind of rhetoric they are using inside and outside Parliament is spreading poison, the impact of which we are now seeing in educational institutions. Campuses are becoming edgy, and clashes are taking place among student organizations, which is very unfortunate.”

Ishraque Hossain further said, “We do not want a politics of division; we want a politics of peace. To show respect to those martyred in the 2024 movement, we must respect each other. If you create an unstable environment, only the fugitive allies of fascism will benefit. If they return again, have you considered what will happen to those who led the movement?”