Shafiqur questions govt’s ‘moral legitimacy’
Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday questioned the government’s “moral legitimacy,” pointing to recent remarks by LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who had expressed disappointment over the lack of desired change in the state and administration despite the sacrifices made during the July mass uprising and the election that followed it.
Speaking as chief guest at the triennial conference of the Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation at the National Press Club, Shafiqur said corruption had not been curbed in the government’s five months in office — rather, it had increased.
Everyone around the prime minister was involved in corruption except Tarique Rahman himself, he said, adding: “I do not understand how everyone can be corrupt if the prime minister himself does not want it.”
He questioned whether the government still had the moral right to remain in power under such circumstances.
“The prime minister’s directives determine everything. Then why can’t corruption be stopped at his instruction?” Shafiqur said. “If they themselves admit failure, the question is whether this government still has the moral legitimacy to stay in power.”
Turning to the transport sector, Shafiqur alleged the government was effectively trying to legitimise extortion.
He said that after assuming office, the minister concerned had stated that money collected through “mutual understanding” should not be considered extortion.
Criticising the remark, Shafiqur said an attempt was being made to grant extortion “national recognition” for a second time.
The Jamaat chief alleged that extortion in the transport sector had continued unabated, with workers facing various forms of harassment.
Those who refused to pay, he claimed, were being assaulted and had their vehicles vandalised.
“Transport workers are being harassed by extortionists. They are attacked whenever they refuse to pay,” he said. “It is clear who is behind this — members of the ruling party.”
Expressing support for the federation’s 12-point charter of demands, Shafiqur called on the government to “eliminate extortion and crack down on corruption with an iron hand.”
He said the country’s 180 million citizens would stand with the government if it acted in line with public aspirations, but warned that “if it goes against public expectations, the people will not spare anyone.”
Referring to the July mass uprising, Shafiqur said the movement did not belong to any single party or group but to the country’s 180 million people. “The martyrs should not be viewed as the property of any political party; they belong to the entire nation,” he added.
Addressing the government directly, Shafiqur said: “Reform yourselves, follow the path of honesty, take a hard line against corruption, and eradicate extortion. Otherwise, history will not forgive those who act against the aspirations of the people.”
