Will consider joining if committee formed for constitutional reforms, not amendment: Jamaat Ameer

The opposition bloc, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, will consider nominating members to a forthcoming parliamentary committee if it will be formed only for enacting constitutional reforms, and won’t be restricted to discussions on amendments, said Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday.

If the government invites members from the opposition for joining a new special committee on constitutional reforms, only then will Jamaat consider the offer, he added while addressing reporters at the LD Hall of the National Parliament.

The people’s demand and mandate in the February referendum was for a thorough overhaul of the constitution, and not simple amendments, the opposition leader noted.

To this end, the opposition will only support constitutional reforms through active participation, as it has “no right” to abandon the people’s demands for reform, he said.

The Jamaat-e-Islami will not be any “domesticated opposition party shielded under the arm by the ruling party,” Shafiqur said. It will not do anything in the parliament that undermines the people’s interest, he added.

Whatever can be resolved in the parliament concerning constitutional changes, “will be done so”, Shafiqur told reporters. However, what will be left unresolved, will be decided through “street movements,” he warned.

Constitutional amendments can be debated, passed and, if needed rejected, like any regular bill during usual parliamentary sessions, Shafiqur said, adding that no new special committee is needed for this.

He also said that the opposition will walk out of the parliament when their rational concerns are not considered. However, the walk out will not be “lengthy,” he added.

He urged the journalists to not consider Jamaat-e-Islami as a “very hot-tempered opposition party.” He urged the journalists to rather support Jamaat in working for people’s interest as a “rational political force.”