The opposition has called for a special parliamentary committee aimed at comprehensive constitutional reform rather than partial amendments to the existing Constitution. Opposition Leader and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, said the opposition would participate only if the government presents specific proposals from the Constitutional Reform Commission.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during an exchange of views with parliamentary reporters at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad.
Opposition Deputy Leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Chief Whip Nahid Islam, and other members of parliament were also present.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that if the “July Charter” is not implemented through Parliament, it would be realized through movements on the streets. “We are neither a soft opposition nor a hardline opposition. The people will see a rational and constructive opposition,” he said.
He noted that the opposition has submitted notices in Parliament on several important issues, including the immediate implementation of referendum verdicts, the crisis in the banking sector, problems faced by expatriates, and border push-ins. Although the opposition proposed forming a parliamentary task force to address expatriates’ problems, the government has yet to announce any decision.
Criticizing the government's budget management and economic activities, the Opposition Leader alleged that although the supplementary budget was supposed to be presented in March, the government is now moving to pass it in June. This, he said, would create an opportunity to spend nearly Tk 56,000 crore. According to him, rushing to spend such a large amount at the end of the fiscal year increases the risk of waste and irregularities. He also suggested that shifting the fiscal year from the current June�"July cycle to December�"January would make development project implementation and expenditure management more effective.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also criticized the government over the border situation. He said the issue of push-ins by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) is highly sensitive, yet there has been unnecessary delay in discussing the notice submitted in Parliament. He further alleged that at one stage the notice was even removed from the parliamentary agenda.
Regarding the role of the opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that lawmakers should not waste parliamentary time through personal attacks, unnecessary praise, or flattery. “Speaking on behalf of the people is the primary responsibility of members of parliament,” he said.
