PM may visit India on equal terms: Dr Shafiq 

 
RAJSHAHI, August 21: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman can visit any country, including neighbouring India, but such a tour must be founded on equality, mutual respect and friendship.

“The prime minister can visit India without any problem. But the relationship must be one of equality, equal dignity and friendship. The people of Bangladesh will no longer accept anyone’s dominance,” he said.

Dr Shafiq made the remarks while addressing a member (Rukon) conference of Rajshahi city Jamaat-e-Islami as the chief guest at the Rajshahi District Council auditorium on Friday afternoon.

He said Bangladesh wants friendly relations with India based on mutual respect and equal rights.

“Bangladesh wants friendship with India, but that friendship must be founded on equality and mutual dignity,” he said.

Speaking about the country’s domestic situation, Dr Shafiqur said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is both head of government and head of his political party, has the authority to take strong action against extortion, corruption and bribery.

“He can stop these practices if he wants. The main question is whether he genuinely wants to do so,” he said.

Addressing Jamaat activists, the Jamaat chief said the party has been working for a long time to build public trust by promoting Islamic values and advocating what it describes as an ideal society and state.
He urged party members to stand beside ordinary people ahead of the upcoming local government elections and work to protect their voting rights.

“Our activists must remain vigilant so that no one can snatch people’s votes,” he said.

The conference was chaired by Rajshahi city Jamaat Ameer Dr Mawlana Keramat Ali and moderated by city Jamaat Secretary Imaj Uddin Mondal.

Jamaat Central Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman attended the programme as a special guest.

Among others, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Mawlana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP and Dhaka South City Jamaat Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul addressed the conference.