Stressing the need for an effective parliamentary system, a corruption-free society and a strong opposition to govern the country, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “InshaAllah, the country will be governed from the parliament. In the parliament, one party will be the government party and another party will be the opposition party, this is the natural trend of democracy.”
He made these remarks to reporters in the Bali Khola area of Karimganj upazila of Kishoreganj on Sunday (February 15).
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “No vehicle runs on one wheel in society, minimum two wheels are needed. If the government party carries out positive activities, we will cooperate. But if public interest is disturbed, we will take a stand for the people. Our stand will be clear-cut. You have seen, the words we said during the election, these were not the words of our mouths, but the words of our hearts.”
He said, first of all, society has to come out of corruption. This society is corrupt from top to bottom, it is necessary to get out of this situation. Second, a situation where there is no justice cannot continue. Don’t you see, how do so many loan defaulters get a chance in the parliamentary elections? How will the country be safe in their hands? Those who prioritize their own interests cannot gain the trust of the people.
He also said that there should be people in Parliament who will look after the interests of 180 million people, not their own. No one defaults on loans if they look after the interests of 180 million people. It is shameful to want to become a leader again by keeping the people’s money in their own pockets.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also said, “We will protest even if there is a slight injustice against someone. Even if there is injustice against someone from the government party, we will protest. We will not accept injustice under any circumstances.”
When asked about a possible meeting with Tarique Rahman in the evening, he said, “What Tarique Rahman will discuss is a matter of his mind. I cannot speak on his mind. However, if he talks to me, we will discuss it with the utmost importance to the country and national interests.”
Regarding the formation of a strong opposition party, he said, “For parliament to function, the government party and the opposition party are needed. The government party and the opposition will continue to work hand in hand if the country is moving in the right direction. And if it is not moving in the wrong direction, then we will not turn that wheel.”
Responding to a question about whether they will become an opposition party like the Jatiya Party, he said, “The Jatiya Party has now become a part of history. They have failed to fulfill their responsibilities. They have not only disappeared from the voting world, but also from the minds of the people because they could not protect the interests of the people. Jamaat-e-Islami will not make that mistake.”