The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, on Saturday criticized Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, alleging that his repeated “irresponsible and inaccurate statements” could bring embarrassment to Bangladesh on the global stage. He also warned the government against attempting to intimidate political opponents with threats of imprisonment.
Dr. Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing a grand rally organized by the 11-Party Alliance at the historic Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram on Saturday afternoon.
Criticizing the Prime Minister, the Jamaat chief said, “If the head of government continuously makes misleading and inappropriate remarks, the entire nation will be embarrassed before the international community.”
Issuing a warning to the ruling party, he added, “Those who consider the gallows less significant than their principles and have taken to the streets for their cause cannot be frightened by threats of imprisonment.”
During the rally, Nahid Islam, Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament and Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), strongly criticized the BNP over the issue of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC.
He alleged that there were ongoing efforts to secretly return control of the country’s leading financial institution to the controversial S. Alam Group.
“There is a new conspiracy underway to hand Islami Bank back to the S. Alam Group. The people of Bangladesh will never accept such a move,” Nahid Islam said.
Addressing the gathering, Shahjahan Chowdhury, a Member of Parliament from Jamaat-e-Islami, also directed criticism at the BNP. Referring to the late Osman Hadi, he said the slain leader had consistently spoken out for justice and fairness in society.
“Under no circumstances will we allow the murder of martyr Osman Hadi to go unpunished. If you come to state power in the future, you must ensure a proper and specific trial for his killing,” he said.
The political rally drew a large crowd, with supporters and activists gathering at the venue from early afternoon.
According to the organizers, the 11-Party Alliance convened the rally to press several demands, including easing public suffering, implementing the people’s mandate, controlling the prices of essential commodities, improving law and order, and ensuring the legitimate rights of citizens.
Several senior leaders of the alliance addressed the event, including Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed and Maulana Mamunul Haque, among others.
The rally highlighted growing political tensions and competing narratives among opposition parties over governance, economic challenges, and public accountability in Bangladesh.