Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today spoke at an iftar mahfil, organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in honour of political leaders and eminent citizens at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) – Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today said his party does not want to function as a conventional opposition in Parliament but seeks to play a meaningful and constructive role for the greater interest of the nation.

“We want this Parliament to be meaningful and to become the centre of people’s hopes and aspirations. The ruling party must play its responsible role, and we too want to discharge our duties constructively as the opposition,” he said.

Jamaat Ameer was addressing an iftar mahfil, organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in honour of political leaders and eminent citizens at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in the capital this afternoon. The programme was presided over by Dr Shafiqur Rahman.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman attended the iftar programme.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said his party would extend full support and cooperation to all reasonable steps taken by the government. “If we find any decision inconsistent, we will first draw the government’s attention to it. If our suggestions are accepted, the nation will benefit. Otherwise, we will perform the due role of the opposition and stand for the rights of the people,” he added.

Describing Parliament as a vehicle that cannot run on one wheel, he said both the treasury and opposition benches must work in coordination and mutual respect. “The national Parliament should not waste a single second. It must be the centre of solving national problems, not a place for character assassination,” he said.

The Jamaat chief also called for joint efforts to repeal what he termed “black laws” from the Constitution and to enact necessary legislation to present Bangladesh as a dignified nation before the world. 

He expressed hope that responsible politics would help the country overcome the politics of frustration of the past.

Recalling the martyrs of different movements and struggles, he paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in 1947, 1952, 1971, 1990 and 2024, and prayed for the recovery of those injured. He said the formation of the new Parliament following the February 12 election has created high expectations among people.

Jamaat Ameer highlighted the lessons of Ramadan, urging all to uphold honesty and protect public trust with fear of Allah in their hearts.

The programme began with recitation from the Holy Quran. Leaders of different political parties, members of the cabinet, former advisers of the interim government, intellectuals, journalists, academics, lawyers, physicians, business leaders and representatives from various sectors attended the event.

The concluding munajat was conducted by Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Mamunul Haque.