Jamaat chief alleges political interference in constitutional institutions, preferential allocations for ruling party MPs, and a reversal of the July Revolution’s goals.
TBS Report
18 October, 2026, 08:30 pm
Last modified: 18 October, 2026, 08:34 pm
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman has accused the government of following the same path as the previous autocratic regime, alleging political interference in constitutional institutions and a return to old political practices.
He made the remarks at a discussion titled "One year of the July Charter: A review of promises and expectations", organised by Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) today (18 October).
Shafiqur accused the BNP of underestimating the people and treating them as ignorant, saying the party appeared to believe that only its members were knowledgeable.
He also alleged that the government was interfering in constitutional institutions, including the Public Service Commission (PSC), and using political influence to pressure its members to resign.
Students had taken to the streets demanding merit-based opportunities and jobs according to their qualifications so they could serve the state, he said, adding that the PSC was meant to provide such opportunities.
"The PSC is a constitutional institution, not a minister's family business," the Jamaat chief said, arguing that no minister had the right to interfere in its affairs.
He alleged that the government wanted to fill public service positions with party cadres.
Shafiqur also alleged that special allocations had been made for the constituencies of 200 ruling party MPs, while opposition lawmakers had received no such allocations.
"Is this why so many lives were lost? Is this why the July Revolution of 2024 took place?" he asked.
He said the July Revolution was intended to bring change, end outdated politics and establish a new political culture. Instead, he alleged, the country was being taken back to the same old practices.
The Jamaat chief claimed that all state institutions had been destroyed within seven months.
He said the opposition would not remain silent and that its 89 MPs would act as guardians for the country's 180 million people, despite what he described as widespread manipulation and vote-rigging.
Shafiqur said Jamaat would not change its position even if the BNP changed its stance. The party would continue to push for implementation of the July Charter and the public verdict delivered through the referendum, he added.
He also said Jamaat had rejected various offers and would remain steadfast in pursuing its goals.
Shafiqur said his party had wanted the BNP to succeed because the latter's success would mean success for the country.
He said the opposition was ready to support the people but accused the government of refusing to accept its cooperation, adding that it lacked the ability to do so.