PM Tarique attends Jamaat Iftar, calls for unity to 'change nation's fate'

He says democracy’s journey has begun after a decade of sacrifice and struggle

Prime Minister Tirique Rahman has attended an Iftar party hosted by Jamaat-e-Islami, the main opposition in parliament, calling for a collective oath to "change the nation’s fortune".

The event, held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Agargaon, saw the prime minister sharing a table with Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman and top leaders from both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat.

“We have gathered here at a critical juncture for the country,” Tarique said in a brief address, thanking his hosts.

“Let us take an oath in the name of Allah that our future actions will be dedicated to changing the destiny of the people of this country,” he said.

Reflecting on the political transition, Tarique said the journey of democracy has resumed through the recent elections -- a goal for which the people had struggled for over a decade, facing "oppression, torture, enforced disappearances, and killings”.

"The people are looking toward political parties with great expectations and aspirations," he said. "Through immense sacrifice and the suffering of thousands, we have regained the opportunity to exercise our freedom of speech and democratic rights. For this, let us first express our gratitude to the Almighty."

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, and BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas and Abdul Moyeen Khan were among those present.

Other notable attendees included Khelafat Majlis chief Mamunul Haque, Jamaat deputy chief and MP Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nagorik Oikko President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, LDP President Oli Ahmed, and Dhaka University Central Students’ Union Vice-President Shadik Kayem.

Jamaat Will Not Be A ‘Conventional’ Opposition: Shafiqur

Shafiqur said his party does not intend to play the role of a "conventional" opposition.

He emphasised that Jamaat wants the current parliament to be meaningful and act as the central hub for the people's aspirations.

Addressing leaders from different political parties, the Jamaat chief noted the significance of the gathering.

"It feels as though everyone has been waiting for a day like this for the last 18 or 19 years. In that context, this Iftar carries a different message and a unique appeal for us," he said.

Shafiqur stressed the need for accountability from both sides of the aisle.

"While the ruling party must play a responsible role, we also want to be a responsible and constructive opposition. In the past, we saw 'dummy' elections lead to 'dummy' oppositions. That kind of opposition brings no good message for the country," he said.

Outlining his party’s strategy toward the government, he said Jamaat would offer full support and cooperation for all "logical" government initiatives.

"However, if we perceive the government taking an illogical step, we will first draw their attention to it and offer counsel. If they accept our advice, we will be grateful and the nation will benefit. If they do not, we will play the traditional role of an opposition," he added.

Shafiqur also pledged that parliament would not be used as a platform for character assassination.

Instead, he expressed a commitment to working collectively to repeal "black laws" still present in the Constitution.

"We will move forward with the ruling party to introduce the legislation necessary to establish a healthy, flourishing, and dignified nation on the global stage," he said.