Newspaper editors urge Jamaat to pursue constructive criticisms, avoid violent demos

Newspaper editors on Monday advised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the main opposition party in parliament, to avoid violent street demonstrations and instead hold the government accountable through constructive criticism and peaceful, democratic means.

The editors also asked the Islamic party take to the streets peacefully to raise the people’s demands when necessary.

In response, Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman sought media cooperation to strengthen democratic practices and make parliament the centre of political activity.

The exchange came during a view-exchange meeting with editors at the opposition leader’s official residence on Mintoo Road in Dhaka.

Speaking after the meeting, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said editors had advised the party to criticise the government constructively and press its demands on the streets while shunning violence.

“They advised us not to destabilise the country by resorting to the intolerant, volatile or violent paths taken by previous opposition parties. Some editors sought the cooperation of our Ameer-e-Jamaat in this regard,” he said.

Porwar said Jamaat had presented the country’s overall situation and the opposition’s role in parliament to the editors, and had clarified its position on the government’s alleged denial of the referendum verdict’s implementation.

Jamaat remained committed to playing a responsible parliamentary role and to avoiding traditional opposition politics that go against the public interest, he added, saying editors had praised the party’s stance for the sake of national stability.

Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman said the opposition leader had urged editors to point out the party’s mistakes and offer advice, and had expressed interest in holding regular meetings with senior editors.

The Jamaat chief also called for professional, objective journalism, noting that media freedom had returned after the July uprising.

According to Mahmudur, the opposition leader informed editors that a shadow cabinet had already been formed and was undergoing training.

On relations with India, the opposition leader said Bangladesh expected “neighbourly behaviour” from New Delhi and did not want to give away everything or take everything, Mahmudur said.

He added that the opposition leader urged that political issues be raised through designated platforms, and called for resistance against any future fascist behaviour by the government towards the media.

Pritidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan said editors had urged the opposition leader to ensure that neither fascism nor political anarchy in the name of opposition politics returns, stressing that both must be prevented to make the country’s democracy sustainable.

Porwar said Shafiqur Rahman had also told editors that the opposition would continue to protest against all acts of injustice and measures contrary to the public interest, and that such resistance would remain constitutional and constructive.

Shafiqur Rahman held a question-and-answer session with editors on the country’s current situation, the international and geopolitical scenario, and relations with neighbouring countries, Porwar said.

During the discussion, the Jamaat chief also raised concerns over government allocations for development projects and the limited time given to opposition lawmakers during parliamentary proceedings.

“Our party chief urged the editors to present the truth through their writings,” Porwar said, adding that Jamaat did not see any distance between itself and the mass media.

Asked about the referendum verdict, the Jamaat ameer said the 11-party alliance would not make the slightest concession on its implementation.

“It would be best if the matter is addressed in parliament. Otherwise, we will take to the streets,” he said.

Apart from the Ameer and Secretary General, members of Jamaat’s Central Executive Council were also present. Editors in attendance included Mahfuz Anam (Daily Star), Mahmudur Rahman (Amar Desh), Sajjad Sharif (Prothom Alo), Shafik Rehman (Jaijaidin), Mustafiz Shafi (Desh Rupantor), Mostofa Kamal (Khabarer Kagoj), Dewan Hanif Mahmud (Banik Barta), Shafiqul Alam (Daily Waadaa), Kamrul Hasan (Ajker Patrika), Tasmima Hossain (Ittefaq), Maruf Kamal Khan (Pritidiner Bangladesh), and Daily Sun Deputy Editor Al Amin.