Opposition Leader anJamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman objected, calling parts of the remarks “false” and demanding they be expunged from the parliamentary recor
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam on Tuesday claimed that Professor Muhammad Yunus went to London and handed over the “trophy” of the July–August 2024 movement to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, sparking protests from opposition members in parliament.
“He (Yunus) went to London, handed over the trophy to our captain, Tarique Rahman, and brought back the election date,” Shahe Alam said, referring to Yunus as the “captain” of the movement during his tenure as interim government chief.
He made the remarks while taking part in the discussion on the president’s address in the Jatiya Sangsad, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presiding over the sitting that began at 10:30am.
Highlighting the BNP’s role, the Bogra MP said the party “holds the trophies” of three major movements — 1971, 1990 and July–August 2024.
“Such achievements belong only to the BNP; no other political party can claim them,” he said, adding that while the Awami League could refer to 1971 and 1990, it had no claim over the July–August movement, while opposition parties could not claim all three.
His remarks triggered protests from opposition benches. Responding, he said: “Opposition MPs may shout. They can talk about 1990. But in 1986, they joined Awami League’s election with fanfare, not us.”
Referring to a National Citizen Party (NCP) leader’s comment, he said: “Students and the people played the game, but BNP took the trophy.”
As protests intensified, the Speaker urged him to conclude, but Shahe Alam continued, saying that although all sides took part in the movement, leadership rested with one “captain.” He also linked the interim government’s actions to what he described as a free and fair election.
Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman objected, calling parts of the remarks “false” and demanding they be expunged from the parliamentary record. The Speaker said the remarks would be reviewed and any unparliamentary or inaccurate statements removed if necessary.
At one stage, Shahe Alam addressed the speaker, a decorated freedom fighter, saying he represented the spirit of 1971 and attributing that legacy to the BNP, referring to its founding leader Ziaur Rahman. His remarks again drew protests, prompting the Speaker to note that freedom fighters were present on both treasury and opposition benches.
The state minister also criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, alleging it was largely absent from movements after 2014 but later sought credit for the July–August uprising.
Despite the exchanges, Shahe Alam called for cooperation between government and opposition. In response, Shafiqur Rahman said the opposition would support all just measures while opposing actions that undermine public rights, alleging “numerous incorrect statements” and stressing accuracy in parliament.
The speaker later urged all sides to engage constructively, noting about 50 hours remained for discussion.