Shafique for strict oversight: Jamaat to form shadow cabinet

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will establish a shadow cabinet to ensure oversight and accountability of government actions, the party’s Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman announced in a statement on Wednesday night.

“In the spirit of accountability and transparency, we will establish a shadow cabinet to rigorously scrutinise, diligently challenge, and responsibly strengthen every decision made in service of the public,” Shafiqur said.

He described the move as part of a broader commitment to democratic practice, saying the country was entering “a new chapter” in its democratic journey—one marked by civic engagement, the clear expression of the people’s will, and a shared responsibility to strengthen state institutions.

Referring to the recent national elections and the referendum on the July National Charter and key reforms, the Jamaat chief said citizens had exercised their democratic rights with courage and determination. “The voice of the people is the highest authority in a democracy and must always be honoured,” he said.

Addressing the public directly, Shafiqur expressed gratitude to voters. “You placed your trust in us, walked beside us, and believed change was possible. For that, we are profoundly grateful,” he said, pledging to continue the party’s efforts “democratically and relentlessly” until what he termed a just, free and transformative future is realised.

On leadership, he said true national leadership is rooted in service rather than status. “Power is a trust, not a privilege,” he said, adding that leaders must remain transparent, accountable and answerable to the citizens who grant them authority.

However, Shafiqur expressed deep disappointment over what he described as the decision of the new prime minister and government not to fulfil their commitment by declining to take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council under the July Charter.

He said he did not understand the decision, noting that they had signed the Charter and campaigned for a “yes” vote in the referendum.

“The people of Bangladesh deserve consistency between words and actions, and fidelity to the commitments made before them,” he said.

Outlining his party’s broader vision, Shafiqur said every citizen deserves equal treatment under the law, regardless of race, religion or creed. He stressed that women must be placed at the centre of national progress and that good governance, transparency and accountability remain essential pillars of governance.

“The people want a corruption-free country, and we will continue to hold fast to that promise,” he said, positioning the proposed shadow cabinet as a mechanism to uphold that commitment from the opposition benches.