Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday asked the government to curb extortion, improve law and order as well as take visible steps to implement the Teesta project soon.

“Extortionists cannot belong to any party. These are ‘imposter’ in the name of a party. Let us take a vow in this parliament to identify them. We’ll eliminate the extortionists from Bangladesh at any cost,” he said.

The opposition leader made the remarks, participating in the discussion on thanksgiving motion over the President’s speech delivered at the outset of the current session in the House.

He called upon the Home Minister to give special attention to vulnerable areas where the law and order situation is more fragile.

“Law and order conditions may appear similar across the country, but areas that are more vulnerable must receive priority attention. Educational institutions must also be kept completely free from all forms of violence—we do not want to witness such incidents anymore,” he said.

About the Teesta project, Shafiqur Rahman said the people have long been hearing about the big stories and are now exhausted. They no longer want promises—they want action.

“We would like to see a very credible and visible role being played soon in implementing the Teesta Master Plan here,” he said.

The Ameer of the Jamaat-e-Islami also said citizens would stand firmly beside the government if it takes bold and effective steps. “We don’t care about the red eyes of anyone…. If the government takes this bold step, every hand of the 200 million people of this country will stand by it. I will stand first in support,” he said.

Over the 1972 Constitution, he said the denial of voting rights by the Pakistani authorities made the Liberation War inevitable. But later, the Awami League government violated the limits and strangled the voting rights to death.

Pointing at the treasury bench members, the Jamaat chief said, “Our many friends wholeheartedly pay respect towards the 1972 Constitution, But I can’t. Because, the Late Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman changed the 1972 Constitution,”

Refuting the claim that Jamaat doesn’t accept the existing Constitution, he said they are law-abiding citizens.

“It is often said that we do not accept the Constitution. If we did not accept it, how could we be here (in Parliament)? ….As long as this Constitution exists, we may demand for its reforms through movements, but we will not engage in rebellion,” he said.

Referring to election pledges, Shafiqur Rahman said both Jamaat and BNP made commitments for an independent foreign policy prioritising national interests.

“We need friendship with all, but our priority must always be Bangladesh,” he said, adding that Bangladesh needs so many friends, but not even a single lord.

He also alleged that before the election, some senior BNP leaders had assured members of Awami League that legal cases against them would be withdrawn and their safety ensured.

“We do not know whether such understandings still exist. But our position is clear—every crime committed during the previous (Awami League) regime must be brought to justice,” he said.

The opposition leader also condemned indecent behaviour on social media, targeting the family of Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and called for an end to such practices.

This kind of dirty political culture must stop. The government has the authority to act, and we will fully cooperate, he said.