Editors suggest opposition to engage in constructive criticism, avoid violence

Editors of various newspapers have advised the opposition to engage in constructive criticism of the government and refrain from violence on the streets.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar disclosed this after a meeting with newspaper editors.

The editors held the meeting with Shafiqur Rahman, leader of the opposition in parliament and amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, at his official residence on Minto Road in the capital on Monday afternoon.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Jamaat Secretary General Golam Parwar said, “The editors give us suggestions that we oppose [the government]. Criticise it constructively and, when necessary, take to the streets with the people’s demands. But do not destabilise the country by taking an intolerant, destabilising or violent path like previous opposition parties. Some editors sought the cooperation of our amir in this regard.”

Among the newspaper editors who attended the meeting were Shafik Rehman of Jaijaidin, Tasmima Hossain of Ittefaq, Mahfuz Anam of The Daily Star, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury of Manab Zamin, Mahmudur Rahman of Amar Desh, AMM Bahauiddin of Inqilab, Sajjad Sharif, executive editor of Prothom Alo, Dewan Hanif Mahmud of Bonik Barta, Md Mokarram Hossain of The New Nation, Salahuddin Muhammad Babar of Naya Diganta, Shafiqul Alam of Daily Waada, Mustafa Mamun of Agamir Shomoy, Maruf Kamal Khan of Protidiner Bangladesh, Mustafa Kamal of Khabarer Kagoj, Santosh Sharma of Kalbela, Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, executive editor of Desh Rupantor, KM Belayet Hossain of Bhorer Dak, Syed Shahnewaz Karim, acting editor of Shomoyer Alo, Kamrul Hasan, acting editor of Ajker Patrika, Mozammel Haque of Dainik Karatoa, Gias Uddin of Banijjo Protidin, and Shahidul Islam of Manobkantha, among others.

Golam Parwar said Jamaat’s amir outlined the opposition’s role in parliament amid the country’s current situation. He also explained the opposition’s role in parliament and on the streets in resolving the crisis surrounding implementation of the referendum verdict. The meeting also highlighted Jamaat’s role as a responsible opposition party, he said.

The Jamaat secretary general said the party remained committed to breaking with the “bad traditions” of conventional opposition politics and instead helping the government in matters that serve the public interest while protesting actions that go against it. The editors were briefed on this policy, which they also praised, he said.

Golam Parwar said the editors praised the opposition’s role in maintaining stability by cooperating where cooperation was warranted and opposing where opposition was necessary. He said Jamaat’s amir told the editors that the opposition would continue to protest against all wrongdoing and actions contrary to public interests, but that such opposition would be constitutional and constructive.

The meeting also included a question-and-answer session and discussion between Jamaat’s amir and the editors on Bangladesh’s current situation, international affairs, geopolitical developments and relations with neighbouring countries, the party’s secretary general said.

Golam Parwar said Jamaat’s amir raised concerns about the government’s failure to ensure fairness in allocating funds for development projects, allowing the opposition adequate opportunities to speak in parliament and enact legislation, and accepting various notices. He also sought the editors’ cooperation in bringing the truth to light through their journalism.

The Jamaat secretary general further said the editors recalled how opposition parties in the past had destabilised the country through various activities. They believe the government must also act responsibly in this regard, he said.

Responding to a question from journalists, Golam Parwar said editors who could not attend the meeting had called them to explain their reasons for being absent. Jamaat does not believe it has any distance from the media, he said, adding that the party is trying its best to maintain engagement with the media and that Monday’s meeting was part of that effort.

In response to another question, the Jamaat secretary general said the 11-party alliance would not make “the slightest concession” on implementing the referendum verdict. It would be better if the matter were resolved in parliament; otherwise, they would take to the streets, he said.

Besides Jamaat’s amir and secretary general, members of the party’s central executive council were present at the meeting.