Jamaat Will Not Be a ‘Loyal Opposition’ in Parliament: Dr. Shafiqur Rahman

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, has said that his party will not act as a “loyal opposition” in the National Parliament.

Addressing an iftar gathering organized by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat at Amanullah Convention Hall in Sylhet city on Friday evening (Bangladesh time), Dr. Rahman stated, “An election has taken place in the country, and we have accepted the results — whether happily or unhappily. We did not want to return to the past political culture of rejecting elections outright.”

He emphasized that Jamaat would play a constructive role in parliament. “We want to make it clear that we will not be a submissive opposition. At the same time, we will not oppose for the sake of opposition. We will support all good initiatives of the government, but we will firmly resist any wrongdoing,” he said.

Dr. Rahman further added, “We will not engage in blind opposition like in the past, which caused harm to the country. We do not want to be such an opposition party. Whatever is right, we will support.”

He noted that if the ruling party succeeds in eliminating crime and extortion, the country could transform within five years. However, he warned that failure to establish social justice would come at a cost for everyone.

Highlighting the country’s demographic potential, he said, “Allah has blessed this country with a vast population. If we can develop them into skilled human resources, the nation will progress significantly. Pray that I can play the right role in parliament.”

Referring to the holy month of Ramadan, the Jamaat chief said, “The greatest blessing of Ramadan is that the Holy Qur’an was revealed in this month. The Qur’an is a code of life for humanity — not only for Muslims but for all of creation. It is a divine guidance sent through Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is the ideal for all mankind.”

Speaking as a special guest, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer paid tribute to those killed and injured during the “bloody July movement.”

“Through the July movement, fascism has departed. An election has taken place, and we are now in the opposition. We all want to build a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh together. Everyone must act responsibly,” he said.

MP Mufti Abul Hasan of Sylhet-5 constituency said that achieving piety during the month of self-purification is the true success of a believer. He called for building a discrimination-free society by applying the lessons of Ramadan.

The event was presided over by Muhammad Fakhrul Islam, Ameer of Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat and member of the central executive council, and conducted by Metropolitan Secretary Muhammad Shahjahan Ali.

Among others present were Sylhet City Corporation Administrator and Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury; Acting President of Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Rezaul Hasan Qais Lodi; General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury; former General Secretary Badruzzaman Selim; Nayeb-e-Ameer of Khelafat Majlis Masud Khan; Sylhet Metropolitan Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Emran Alam; and several other leaders of the 11-party alliance.

Leaders from Jamaat including Professor Fazlur Rahman, former regional director; Sylhet District Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman; Metropolitan Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Nurul Islam Babul; Assistant Secretary Jahedur Rahman Chowdhhury; Advocate Abdur Rob; Maulana Islam Uddin; Professor Abdul Hannan; and former Metropolitan Nayeb-e-Ameer Hafiz Abdul Hai Harun also spoke at the event.

The iftar gathering was attended by leaders from various political parties, professional groups, and a large number of people from different walks of life.