Dr Shafique says referendum mandate must be implemented

Staff Reporter  :

Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has said the outcome of the recent referendum on reforms must be implemented in its entirety, warning against any selective or partial execution of the public mandate.

“Whatever has been decided in the referendum on reforms must be accepted in full. We do not want to see any fragmented implementation,” he told journalists on Sunday afternoon at Balikhola ferry ghat in Karimganj upazila of Kishoreganj.

The Jamaat chief was visiting the district to meet the families of two party activists who died — one in a road accident and another due to illness.

Addressing broader political dynamics, Shafiqur Rahman said the country would be run through parliament, where one party would serve as the government and another as the opposition.

“No vehicle can run on one wheel; at least two are required. If the ruling party carries out positive activities, we will extend our cooperation.

But if public interest is harmed, we will stand by the people. Our position will be clear,” he said.

Responding to a question about a possible meeting with Tarique Rahman,
chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the Jamaat ameer said the agenda of any discussion would depend on Tarique Rahman.

“If he wishes to hold talks, we will engage in discussions giving the highest priority to the country and national interest,” he said.

Emphasizing the role of both treasury and opposition benches in parliamentary democracy, he said cooperation would continue so long as the country remained on the right path. “If it deviates, we will not help drive that wheel,” he added.

In a sharp remark about the Jatiya Party, he said the party had become “part of history” and had effectively disappeared from the political landscape.

“Why are they no longer relevant? Because they failed to fulfill their responsibilities and protect public interest.

They have not only lost votes but also lost their place in people’s hearts. Jamaat-e-Islami will not repeat that mistake,” he said.

Earlier in the day, speaking at a memorial meeting for party supporter Shah Alam in Shimulbak Dakshinhati area of Itna upazila, Shafiqur Rahman underscored his respect for ordinary working people.

“Honouring common people is part of my faith. Farmers and labourers earn their livelihood through hard work.

The smell of their sweat is like perfume to me,” he said. He criticized social attitudes that demean the poor.

“Sometimes I see people shake hands with the poor and then wipe their hands in private. I regard their sweat with respect and accept it with love,” he said.

The Jamaat chief said he feels particular closeness to two groups — innocent children and daily wage earners.

“When I am with children, I feel as if I am in the company of angels. And day labourers shed blood and sweat to provide halal food for their families,” he said.

Stating that he was not born into a wealthy family, Shafiqur Rahman said he is the son of a farmer. “If I fail to respect farmers and workers, it would be like insulting my own father,” he added.

At the memorial, he announced that the party would assume responsibility for Shah Alam’s family.

Shah Alam, 50, died of a heart attack on February 8 while on his way to attend an election rally at Itna Mini Stadium.