Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said the opposition will accept the Deputy Speaker position in the 13th National Parliament only after the full implementation of the July National Charter, rejecting any partial or selective measures.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of lawmakers from the Jamaat-led 11-party opposition alliance at Parliament, Dr Shafiqur confirmed that the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had approached the opposition informally regarding the Deputy Speaker post.
“We appreciate the gesture, but our demand is clear: the reform agenda outlined in the July Charter must be implemented completely. Only then can the opposition take its rightful role,” he said.
On whether the opposition would attend the President’s address during the opening session, Dr Shafiqur remained deliberately vague. “Our role tomorrow will be seen and heard. You will witness our response,” he stated.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman emphasised that Jamaat intends to engage responsibly in Parliament.
“We will not oppose blindly nor support everything automatically. Decisions benefiting the nation will get our backing. If policies are harmful, we will offer advice, protest when ignored, and stand firmly for the people’s rights,” he explained.
He stressed the inseparable nature of the parliamentary election results and the referendum, urging the government to honour both fully.
Dr Shafiqur warned that bypassing the July 2024 Charter while moving ahead to 2026 would bring no benefit to the country.
The opposition leader also urged the Speaker to ensure fair treatment of opposition members, calling it crucial for sustaining democracy.
“Democracy thrives when the opposition is respected, both inside and outside Parliament,” he said.
The meeting included Jamaat and allied MPs ATM Azharul Islam, Mujibur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam Khan and Shafiqul Islam Masud.
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