Editors advise the opposition to pursue constructive criticism rather than violence

Professor Mia Golam Parwar, secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that prominent newspaper editors have advised the opposition to criticise the government constructively instead of resorting to street violence. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman extended this recommendation following a cordial discussion at the Leader of the Opposition’s official residence on Minto Road in Dhaka, which brought together prominent editors such as The Daily Star Editor Mr. Mahfuz Anam, Daily Inqilab Editor Mr. A M M Bahauddin, ManabZamin Editor Mr. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, and Amar Desh Editor Mr. Mahmudur Rahman.

Professor Parwar noticed at the post-briefing session that editors urged the opposition to diligently avoid the unstable and intolerable practices of previous opposition parties while praising the opposition’s positive contribution in maintaining national stability. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman responded to the media leaders by saying, ‘We certainly want to establish ourselves as a responsible opposition, and we wish to wage a methodical movement regarding the demands of the people’. Furthermore, he drew several discriminatory practices by the present administration, including limitations on discussing important topics like the gas and power crisis in Parliament and decreased development funds for seats held by opposition lawmakers.

The problems surrounding the public mandate execution of the referendum and the strategic political reaction of the 11-party alliance were also discussed. Addressing the media about this critical mandate, Golam Parwar emphasised, ‘The 11-party alliance will not compromise an inch regarding the implementation of the referendum’s verdict; if it is settled in Parliament, that is fine; otherwise, they will be on the streets’. The Jamaat Ameer reaffirmed that although the opposition would continue to work with the government on beneficial projects, it will strongly oppose any anti-people policies and injustices by orderly, productive actions as opposed to disruptive agitation.

Lastly, there was a long question-and-answer period including international issues, geopolitical dynamics, regional ties, and Bangladesh’s domestic political environment. While editors emphasised that the government must also act responsibly to safeguard democratic principles, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman asked for the media’s assistance in exposing the complete truth about ongoing political obstacles. The presence of prominent figures, such as Deputy Leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, at this momentous event reaffirmed the party’s ultimate dedication to open and accountable parliamentary democracy.