Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said no government can remain in power for long by disregarding the verdict of nearly 70% of the people, warning that failure to implement the referendum outcome could lead to a situation similar to 1996.
Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks as the chief guest at a divisional rally of the 11-party alliance held at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong city on Saturday afternoon. The rally was organized to demand implementation of the referendum verdict, relief from public suffering, improvement of law and order, and control of commodity prices.
“Nearly 70% of the people have expressed their verdict. No government can survive for long by ignoring such a mandate. Ignoring public opinion is contrary to the spirit of democracy,” he said.
He added that citizens expect proper reflection of their voting rights and electoral verdicts, warning that the people would respond if their aspirations were not met.
“If the government fails to fulfill the aspirations of the people, the people themselves will give the answer,” he said.
He alleged that qualified, honest and patriotic individuals were not being given due recognition in key sectors, while dissenting voices were being suppressed through politicization of state institutions.
Even in Parliament, he said, attempts to raise issues such as rising commodity prices, corruption, extortion and national interests faced obstacles, although Parliament was meant to reflect people’s concerns.
“The government must accept the referendum verdict,” he said. “If it does not voluntarily accept the current referendum verdict or public demand, a situation like 1996 will eventually be created.”
Referring to the 1996 political transition, he said authorities had been compelled to introduce and pass the caretaker government system. “This time too, they will be forced to implement the referendum verdict. Accept it peacefully. Do not push people onto the streets. Time is very limited. Time is running out. If there is no change within this period, they must be prepared for the consequences,” he added.
He also said Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and national interests would not be “leased out” to any individual, group or foreign power, adding that the country’s 180 million people would remain united to protect the nation.
“We will not betray the nation; if necessary, we are ready to make the ultimate sacrifice to establish people’s rights,” he said.
He also alleged that corruption and extortion had become institutionalized, saying such practices would end only under an elected and accountable government. He pledged continued struggle for rule of law, public rights and a corruption-free Bangladesh “in Parliament and on the streets,” adding that intimidation, lawsuits or arrests could not suppress public movements.
The rally was chaired by LDP Chairman Col (retd.) Oli Ahmad.
