Opposition Leader in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday announced the start of a nationwide political movement demanding implementation of the referendum verdict and “July Charter” reforms, saying the Opposition will continue its campaign until its goals are achieved.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Government Against the Referendum Verdict: A Country Facing Crisis” held at the Diploma Engineers’ Institution auditorium in the capital’s Kakrail, he said the movement had already begun across the country.
“This movement is already underway. The question is not when it will start - it has already started. Now it must be taken forward step by step towards success,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur said all political forces in the current Parliament were linked to what he described as the “July movement,” adding that both the government and opposition existed because of it. He warned that any attempt to undermine the spirit of the movement would not succeed.
He also criticised what he called political interference in state institutions and accused unnamed groups of influencing parliamentary decisions.
The Jamaat leader warned against politicisation of financial institutions, particularly highlighting Islami Bank Bangladesh, which he said plays a major role in remittance inflows. He cautioned that instability in the banking sector could have serious economic consequences.
Dr Shafiqur further said the Opposition’s goal was not only a change of government but also a broader transformation of political culture, governance, and state institutions, including the banking and education sectors.
At the same event, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said the ruling BNP had created contradictions between the “July Charter” and “July Order,” arguing that meaningful reforms required a constituent assembly rather than routine constitutional amendments.
He accused the government of going back on commitments made during earlier consensus discussions and warned of political consequences.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque, who chaired the seminar, also criticised the government, accusing it of authoritarian tendencies and disrespecting public sentiment.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar noted that with most of its five-year term still remaining, the BNP is already moving towards authoritarian governance and must learn from history.
The seminar was also attended by senior leaders of the 11-party alliance, including Colonel (retired) Oli Ahmed of the Liberal Democratic Party, political scientist Dilara Chowdhury, Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman, and representatives from multiple alliance partners.
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