Jamaat chief Shafiqur says Constitution Reform Council oath snub is ‘an insult’ to July movement

“If it wasn’t for [the July Uprising], would Tarique Rahman be the prime minister? Could I have been the leader of the opposition?” he says

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has said that refusing to take oath as a member of the Constitution Reform Council is an “insult” to the July movement.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after inaugurating the “Clean Dhaka Green Dhaka” programme initiated by Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur said the events of July movement must be recognised and respected.

“The election was held because of [the July Uprising],” he said.

“If it wasn’t for July, would Tarique Rahman be the prime minister? Could I have been the leader of the opposition? July must be recognised. It is our sacred duty to implement all reform proposals in line with July’s aspirations,” he said.

Under the July Charter Implementation Order, newly elected members of the 13th National Parliament were required to take oath both as members of parliament and as members of the Constitutional Reform Council.

While lawmakers were sworn in on Tuesday, the BNP declined to take the oath as members of the Reform Council, though they took oath as MPs.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said there was “no scope” to take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council before amendments to the constitution are enacted.

In the wake of the dispute, Jamaat and its alliance partners initially indicated they would not take either oath, but later proceeded to take both.

‘CLEAN DHAKA GREEN DHAKA’

Earlier in the day, Shafiqur inaugurated the “Clean Dhaka Green Dhaka” initiative at the Baitun Noor Mosque, adjacent to the main girls’ branch of Manipur High School. He was seen sweeping the road as part of the launch.

“After Fajr each day, our units will carry out cleaning activities,” he said.

“From there, we will expand to other tasks. Let this area become a model. Whether the government provides funds or not is not the main issue; our work will continue.”

Calling for civic responsibility beyond political and religious divides, he added: “Cleaning work should rise above party affiliation and religion. If I am in Dhaka, I will sweep the streets every day.”

The Jamaat chief sought cooperation from all quarters to advance the initiative.