Dhaka: Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman, announced on Sunday that the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance desires the constitutional reform council issue to be settled within the parliament. However, he cautioned that if the matter remains unresolved, they are prepared to resort to street protests.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rahman addressed reporters at the parliament gate following the adjournment of the day’s parliamentary session. He emphasized that the alliance intends to address the issue through formal parliamentary channels initially. He stated, “Following the Speaker’s request, we will submit a notice. We want the issue to be resolved inside parliament. But if, for any reason, a normal solution is not reached there, we will have to go to the streets with a movement.”
Rahman stressed their preference for a parliamentary solution, clarifying, “We do not want that situation. Since we have raised the issue and the Speaker asked us to submit a notice after considering it, the matter can proceed in that process.” Addressing the proposal by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed to discuss the issue in the Business Advisory Committee, Rahman asserted that the matter should be resolved within the parliament.
Highlighting the government’s stance on the absence of a constitutional provision for a reform council, Rahman pointed out past instances where actions exceeded constitutional boundaries, such as the 2026 election held under a presidential order. He challenged the selective acceptance of constitutional deviations, questioning, “One part of that order goes beyond the constitution and you accept it, but if another part goes beyond the constitution you do not accept it? If you do not accept it, then reject both. If you accept it, then accept both.”
Rahman expressed that the people’s will is the ultimate constitution and noted that the reform issue was determined via a referendum, with both government and opposition participation. He mentioned, “Our demand was to hold the referendum first, while the government wanted it on the same day. Their demand was implemented. They never said they did not want a referendum.”
When asked if he believes the government will accept their demand, Rahman remarked, “We want to believe so.”