Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has firmly denied allegations that his party was previously aware of the US-Bangladesh mutual trade agreement signed during the interim government.
Speaking to journalists ahead of a civil society gathering at the Rangpur Shilpakala Academy on Friday (May 15), he clarified his party's stance and sharply criticized the current administration for alleged politicization across state institutions.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the trade pact, Dr. Shafiqur stated that the interim government never consulted his party on the matter. He asserted with utmost responsibility that no official from the then government had uttered a single word to them regarding the agreement.
When asked about the upcoming local government elections and the alleged politicization of the civil administration, the Jamaat chief confirmed his party's participation but expressed deep concerns over electoral fairness. Pointing to irregularities in two recent by-elections, he urged the public to remain vigilant.
He emphasized that a democratic mandate is the cure for political crises, noting that if the public awakens to protect their voting rights, no one can manipulate the outcome.
Shifting to national infrastructure, Dr. Shafiqur welcomed the approval of the Padma Barrage project by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
However, he stressed that this should not sideline the Teesta River master plan, demanding that the northern region receive its rightful share of development.
He also took the opportunity to condemn recent human rights violations in the neighboring Indian state of West Bengal, stating that targeting individuals based on religious identity is a crime against humanity that his party will always protest.
The opposition leader accused the government of ignoring a public referendum, vowing to continue fighting for its implementation both inside and outside parliament. Reminding lawmakers of their accountability, he noted that parliamentary sessions cost taxpayers Tk 176,000 per minute.
He warned that parliament is not a place for mockery and that elected representatives must strictly focus on public welfare rather than partisan agendas.
Dr. Shafiqur strongly criticized the government for appointing a controversial figure as the central bank governor and for placing politically loyal deputy commissioners in 42 districts. He also condemned the appointment of partisan individuals as university vice-chancellors and proctors.
Warning the current administration against arrogance, he referenced the sudden downfall of the previous government, reminding them that political power can collapse overnight despite meticulous planning.
While assuring that Jamaat-e-Islami would support constructive government actions, he warned of strict resistance against any misdeeds, advocating for a politics of trust rather than blind opposition.
Following the gathering, Rangpur Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer ATM Azam Khan, who presided over the event, was officially announced as the party's mayoral candidate for the upcoming Rangpur City Corporation elections.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Shafiqur also attended a regional conference of party leaders at Rangpur Model College.
