Dhaka: Prime Minister's Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon has criticized the long march orchestrated by the 11-party alliance led by opposition Jamaat-e-Islami, stating that it runs counter to the aspirations of the people. Swapon emphasized that the parliament is functioning effectively, and the opposition's move from Dhaka to Chattogram to push their six-point demand undermines democratic principles.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Swapon made these remarks at a roundtable meeting held at the Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) auditorium. He highlighted that the role of the opposition in parliamentary politics is to ensure government accountability through checks and balances, rather than shifting crucial debates to the streets, which he believes disrupts democratic culture.
The roundtable, organized by Citizen Forum Bangladesh and Bangladesh Center for Advanced Initiative (BCAI), was titled "The Review of First 180 Days of the Democratic Government of Bangladesh: Good Governance, Accountability, and Development Context". It was chaired by the Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC), Professor Mamun Ahmed, and attended by former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury, among others. Dr. Shakhawat Hossain Sayantha moderated the session, which included noted politicians, educationists, and researchers.
Swapon reiterated the importance of the opposition in maintaining a dynamic and meaningful parliamentary democracy. He warned that conscious citizens should be cautious about the quick transition from parliamentary debates to street protests, as such actions can be exploited by various internal and external forces.
Assessing the government's first 180 days, Swapon praised efforts to steer the country from a state of fascism, a fragile social system, and economic challenges. He acknowledged the depth of the crisis and stated that while overnight change is impossible, the government has initiated policies for long-term sustainable growth.
He also addressed issues in the power and energy sector, attributing them to long-term import policies and corruption. Swapon mentioned the government's initiatives to explore natural gas and minimize import costs as steps towards restoring economic stability.
Swapon called upon the opposition to engage in constructive criticism within the parliament, urging them to provide concrete and pragmatic advice rather than focusing solely on the government's failures. He also criticized the Jamaat-led alliance's demands, which include implementing referendum results, seeking justice for past events, and addressing energy and law enforcement issues.
The alliance plans further long marches to Rangpur, Khulna, Sylhet, and a mass rally in Dhaka in the coming months.