Highlights
- Opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasizes the need to protect citizens’ rights
- Calls for government accountability and cooperative problem-solving
- Stresses reforms to prevent any return of fascism in Bangladesh
- Highlights the fuel crisis and its effects on daily life and education
- Spoke at Dhaka-15 Eid reunion and public reception event
Speaking as the chief guest at the Eid reunion and public reception in Dhaka-15 on Saturday evening, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and opposition leader, said it is everyone’s duty to restore order in the country.
He said:
“It is our duty to restore order at home and outside. The ruling party has the primary responsibility. Opposition parties must show the government its work. It is our duty to protect citizens’ rights. Citizens’ rights are not violated by the opposition; they are violated by the government.”
Constructive Cooperation and Opposition Responsibility
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman highlighted that the opposition would cooperate positively when the government respects citizens’ rights. He said,
“If the government violates citizens’ rights anywhere, we will point it out constructively and offer our cooperation. If the government accepts our help, we will thank them. If not, and if citizens’ rights are taken away, we will protest and resist if necessary. This is our moral duty.”
Concerns About Governance and Past Elections
He criticized the government’s response to reforms mandated by past votes and the recent February 12, 2026, parliamentary and referendum elections. He said,
“যে জুলাই আজকে আমাদের এই পরিবেশ দিল, যে জুলাই ২০২৬ সালের ১২ ফেব্রুয়ারির দুটি নির্বাচন দিয়েছে- একটি সংসদ নির্বাচন ও আরেকটি গণভোট… সেই গণভোটের গণরায় ইতোমধ্যে সরকারি দল অস্বীকার করেছে।”
Translation: “The events of July gave us this environment, and the February 12, 2026, elections included a parliamentary vote and a referendum… The government has already ignored the referendum result.”
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Opposition Action and Public Alignment
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the opposition has begun action from Baitul Mokarram to ensure citizens’ rights.
“আমরা চাই না বাংলাদেশে আবার ফ্যাসিবাদ কায়েম হোক। বাংলাদেশের একজন নাগরিকও চায় না। আমাদের অবস্থান স্পষ্ট।”
Translation: “We do not want fascism to be established again in Bangladesh. Not a single citizen wants it. Our stance is clear.”
Fuel Crisis and Its Impact
He raised concerns about the ongoing fuel crisis, highlighting the long traffic jams and stalled vehicles. He told,
“Bangladesh is not flooded; some people who manipulate the government with fuel are hiding the crisis… We want an immediate solution. We want a multi-party dialogue. We will all cooperate together.”
Education and Children’s Rights Amid Crisis
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman warned against disrupting children’s education due to fuel shortages or digital learning initiatives. He expressed,
“আমরা চাই না একদিনের জন্য ডিজিটাল ক্লাস শুরু হয়ে যাক। তবে বাস্তবতার আলোকে যদি কোনো তেল পাওয়া না যায়, রাস্তার সবকিছু যদি অচল হয়ে যায়, সবশেষে সিদ্ধান্ত নিতে হবে শিক্ষার ব্যাপারে, আগে নয়। শিক্ষা জাতির মেরুদন্ড, করোনার সময় একবার মেরুদন্ড ভেঙে দেওয়া হয়েছে। আবার ভেঙে দেবেন- তা আমরা মানবো না।”
Translation: “We do not want digital classes to start for just one day. However, if fuel shortages make roads nonfunctional, decisions about education may have to be made at the end, not before. Education is the backbone of the nation; it was broken once during COVID-19. We will not allow it to break again.”
Source: Ntv
