Editors of various newspapers have advised the opposition to engage in constructive criticism of the government and avoid violence on the streets in order to maintain stability in the country, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said on Monday.
He made the remarks while briefing journalists after a view-exchange meeting between Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman and a group of newspaper editors at the opposition leader’s official residence on Minto Road in the capital in the afternoon.
“Editors advised us to oppose the government and criticise it constructively, and, if necessary, take to the streets with the demands of the people. But they advised us not to destabilise the country by following intolerant, unstable or violent paths like those adopted by opposition parties in the past,” Porwar said.
He said Shafiqur Rahman outlined the roles being played by Jamaat and the 11-party alliance in Parliament in the current situation.
The Jamaat chief said their party has been playing a constructive role as the main opposition both inside and outside Parliament.
He also presented before the editors the party’s policy decision to break away from the bad practices traditionally associated with opposition parties and, instead, cooperate with the government in its good initiatives while resisting all unjust and anti-people activities in order to maintain overall stability in the country.
“The editors praised this policy of Jamaat,” Porwar said, adding that Jamaat’s opposition will be “constitutional and constructive”.
Those present at the meeting included The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Daily Jaijaidin Editor Shafik Rehman, Daily Manab Zamin Chief Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Daily Ittefaq Editor Tasmima Hossain, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Daily Naya Diganta Editor Salahuddin Muhammad Babar, Daily Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, Protidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan, Daily Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman, Daily Khoborer Kagoj Editor Mostofa Kamal, Daily Waadaa Editor Shafiqul Alam, Agamir Somoy Editor Mustafa Mamun, Daily Bhorer Dak Editor KM Belayet Hussain, Ajker Patrika Editor Kamrul Hasan, Daily Manabkantha Editor Shahidul Islam, Daily Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, Banijjo Protidin Editor Giash Uddin, Daily Karatoa Editor Mozammel Haque, Daily Janata Editor Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Khola Kagoj Editor Ahsan Habib, The New Nation Editor Mohammad Mokarram Hossain, Green Watch Editor Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif, The Business Standard Joint Editor Sajjadur Rahman, Daily Desh Rupantor Executive Editor Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, Daily Edin Executive Editor Khandaker Mozammel Haque, The Evening News Editor ABM Salim Ahmed, Daily Sangram News Editor Shamsul Arefin and Weekly Sonar Bangla News Editor Ferdous Ahmad Bhuiya.