Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Warns Government of Consequences if Reform Demands Remain Unmet

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Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman has issued a stern ultimatum to the government, warning that its time in power is rapidly expiring. Speaking as the chief guest at an 11-party rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong, Rahman cautioned that if the government fails to address public grievances and implement the mandate of a referendum, it risks a political collapse similar to the 1996 transition, when the regime was forced to adopt a caretaker government system.

Rahman urged the government to honor public demands voluntarily rather than forcing citizens onto the streets. He dismissed threats of imprisonment or capital punishment directed at his supporters, emphasizing that his party remains committed to the national interest regardless of the personal cost. The opposition leader further criticized the government’s administrative conduct, accusing specific cabinet members of overstepping their bounds and disparaging the Prime Minister for disseminating allegedly false information regarding opposition critiques of the national budget.

The rally, organized to protest against economic mismanagement, inflation, and the government’s failure to curb corruption, served as a platform for the opposition to decry what they termed the “nationalization” of graft. Asserting that the national parliament has become a venue where they are denied a voice, the coalition declared that they have moved their platform to the “people’s parliament”—the streets.

Opposition Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam echoed these concerns, labeling the current budget a document detached from reality that prioritizes institutional looting over public development. He specifically condemned the state of the banking sector, alleging that attempts are being made to return major financial institutions to the influence of politically connected business groups. Furthermore, Islam called for urgent reforms of the police and judicial system, citing the recent alleged assault of a national cricketer by detective branch officers as evidence of persistent state brutality.

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The coalition also took a firm stance on border security and national sovereignty. Addressing recent incidents of violence at the border, leaders asserted that friendship cannot be maintained through the use of force and reiterated that the nation will not tolerate any form of hegemonic interference.

LDP Chairman Colonel (Retd) Oli Ahmed presided over the gathering, highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation and the growing sense of insecurity among the public. The rally saw participation from various political leaders, including representatives from the AB Party, National Democratic Party, and Bangladesh Development Party, all of whom joined in the call for immediate governance reforms and accountability.