Govt’s decisions threaten economy

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday alleged that the government’s “wrong and shortsighted” decisions have pushed the country’s economy towards the verge of collapse.

He made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the party’s central working committee.
Criticising the government’s decision regarding the banking sector, the Jamaat chief said Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC had been badly damaged during the previous “fascist era” and was only beginning to recover.

“At that moment, the government took a suicidal decision to hand over the bank back to the cohorts of fascism,” he said.

Shafiqur Rahman claimed that the decision would damage the country’s economy from its roots and urged the government to reconsider the matter immediately.

In his speech, he said Jamaat has always pursued politics through democratic, constitutional and peaceful means and has played a role in democratic movements in Bangladesh, including the anti-fascist movement of 2024.

The Jamaat ameer also accused the government of trying to make people forget the spirit of July 2024. He alleged that the government had betrayed the nation by ignoring the verdict of the referendum after campaigning for a “Yes” vote.

He further alleged that extortion, tender manipulation and land grabbing by ruling party activists have reached alarming levels, while bribery and corruption remain unchecked.

Shafiqur Rahman also claimed that political patronage has contributed to a rise in crimes, including murder and rape, causing a serious deterioration in the law-and-order situation.

The Jamaat leader accused the government of politicising education, economic institutions and the administration. He also claimed that opposition lawmakers are being deprived of fair allocations in the newly formed Parliament.

“The government is gradually moving towards one-party rule, which is deeply disappointing for the nation,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, Shafiqur Rahman said the overall situation in the country is becoming increasingly complex due to national and international challenges.

He urged party leaders and activists to remain patient and cautious, saying fallen fascist forces and their allies may try to provoke them from inside and outside the country.

The meeting, moderated by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, reviewed the current political situation, law and order, border push-ins and other issues of public importance.

Preparations for the party’s upcoming Central Majlis-e-Shura session, scheduled for June 26, were also discussed.