Jamaat chief calls for inclusive talks to navigate ‘difficult times’

Even parties outside parliament should be included in national discussions, he says

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has urged the government to convene talks with all political parties, including those outside parliament, to address what he called the country’s difficult times.

On Wednesday, the eve of Independence Day, Shafiqur emphasised national unity over partisan politics.

He said, “A difficult time has come in our national life. By showing generosity… we don’t need a deputy speaker; be generous and sit together on national problems.”

Dhaka-15 MP Shafiqur suggested that such discussions be held outside parliament, “because not all parties are in the House”.

He also urged the inclusion of groups with historical roles in the Liberation War and the July Uprising.

“You [with the discussants] will take the decision,” he told the government.

Addressing rising political violence, Shafiqur said: “The politics of violence should stop. Even people of our own parties are being killed.”

He questioned the disappearance of “fascism” from the public eye, warning that the people will resist any reemergence of authoritarianism.

Turning to the ongoing fuel crisis, he criticised a minister for defending fuel reserves, saying: “Soon after the situation arose, I said, ‘take alternative measures’.

“Now I say, ‘sit with everyone with an open mind’. We’re ready to cooperate in all aspects, as much as possible.”