Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday called for a visible drive to eradicate drugs and illegal arms from the country, describing them as serious concerns for the nation.
“Drugs and illegal arms — we are very concerned about these two. We would call for their eradication, not merely control. The initiative to eradicate them should be visible,” he said.
The opposition leader made the remarks while speaking in the House ahead of the prorogation of the third session of the current 13th Parliament.
“There should not be any trace of them (drugs and arms). Those who are being ruined are our children. It is not only a problem for individuals and families; it is a problem for the entire nation,” he said.
Bangladesh will never accept subordination to any country
Referring to Bangladesh’s relations with neighbouring countries, Shafiqur, also Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer, said Bangladesh wants a sincere relationship with its neighbours, but such a relationship requires goodwill from both sides. “If we truly want to be sincere neighbours, both sides must express their goodwill,” he said.
He said the people of Bangladesh no longer want to see bodies like Felani’s hanging from barbed-wire fences along the border, nor do they want Bangladeshi citizens to be picked up and killed indiscriminately at the border.
The opposition leader said Bangladesh could no longer tolerate the suffering of people in northern Bangladesh caused by the unresolved Teesta water-sharing issue.
He urged the government to pursue a strong and independent foreign policy in dealing with neighbouring countries, including over the renewal of water-sharing agreements.
“There will be discussions, there will be struggles, but they will be on an equal footing. Bangladesh will never accept subordination to anyone. That chapter is closed. It will not be reopened. We have to stand firm on this,” Shafiqur said.
Calls for implementation of referendum verdict
The opposition leader said the parliamentary elections and referendum were held simultaneously on February 12 this year, but the referendum result has yet to be implemented.
He claimed that 68.2 percent of voters voted “Yes” in the referendum and said the Prime Minister also supported a “Yes” vote during the election campaign.
“The reforms should be completed, as we all agreed that fascist rule cannot return to our country. I think time has not yet run out,” Shafiqur said.
He urged the government to respect the people’s verdict and implement their aspirations.
The Jamaat chief said people should be selected for appropriate positions based on merit, skills, commitment and integrity.
“We want to see it in this changed Bangladesh. The problem is visible everywhere,” he said.
He said the government has also announced that a merit-based society will be built, but such a society was not visible in many areas.
Corruption must be eradicated
Shafiqur said corruption has spread throughout society and warned that no development plan will succeed unless it is brought under control.
“People tell us, and surely tell you too, that the level of corruption has increased compared to before. If we cannot rein it in, no matter how many plans we make, none of them will ultimately see success,” he said.
The opposition leader said the industrial and agricultural sectors are facing threats due to the power and fertiliser crises, raising concern among the public.
He urged the government to prioritise measures to protect industries and agriculture, even if it requires reallocating funds from other areas.
Shafiqur also urged the government not to arrange designated sitting rooms for MPs at upazila parishads in their respective constituencies.