Expecting Responsible Politics from Jamaat
Stalin Sarker
“Give us gas, give us electricity, or leave office.” Activists of the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami chanted the slogan in front of the Secretariat on August 6. The Jamaat-NCP slogan has gone viral on social media, with Indian media outlets and pro-Awami League commentators widely promoting it. At a time when former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has announced a press conference in Delhi and foreign diplomats reportedly left a state event on August 5, questions have arisen over the political message of such a programme by the Jamaat-led opposition alliance.
The Awami League government left behind serious economic and institutional damage after more than a decade in power, while the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus spent a year and a half without generating sufficient economic momentum. Against this backdrop, is demanding the resignation of a BNP government after only five months a reasonable position or responsible opposition politics?
This does not mean the BNP government should be spared criticism. Extortion, land grabbing, corruption and administrative failures deserve strong scrutiny. The government’s mistakes must be challenged, but responsible opposition requires judgement about when, where and how to protest. Opposition simply for the sake of opposition cannot constitute responsible politics. Tarique Rahman’s BNP assumed responsibility for the state at a difficult moment. The financial sector and broader economy had suffered serious damage, while the country faced substantial debt. The government must reform the banking sector, control inflation, restore investor confidence and generate investment-driven growth. Disruptions to energy supplies caused by the conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran have added further pressure.
The government has begun addressing these challenges incrementally. Tarique Rahman has adopted the policy of “Bangladesh First” and initiated measures across different sectors. Foreign investment initiatives will take time to produce results. His June visit to China and meeting with President Xi Jinping generated positive signals regarding the Teesta mega-project and the proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said, “Whatever the global situation, China remains committed to standing by Bangladesh,” describing Bangladesh as China’s “trusted friend, close neighbour and reliable partner.” Following China’s investment signals, Japan, South Korea and several Middle Eastern countries have also shown interest in Bangladesh.
BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “There are currently 40 million educated unemployed people in the country. Five to six lakh applications are submitted for a single job.” He added that “18 years of accumulated problems cannot be cleared in five months” and described demands for the government’s resignation after only five months as “extreme impatience.” Bangladesh is also facing growing international pressure. Following Tarique’s China visit, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s trip to Moscow and the Turkish foreign minister’s visit to Dhaka, US Special Envoy Sergio Gor visited Bangladesh. His reported meeting with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi after meeting Tarique has raised questions about regional diplomatic manoeuvring.
In this environment, Jamaat should demonstrate political responsibility. Criticising the government is necessary, but premature demands for resignation could weaken Bangladesh’s position and ultimately harm the country rather than any particular party. Tarique Rahman returned from London on December 25, 2025, saying, “I have a plan.” He should be given reasonable time to implement it. Responsible opposition means demanding accountability while protecting national interests.
