Govt compelled us to take to streets: Shafiqur

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has said the opposition sought a solution in parliament to the issue of the people’s verdict in the referendum, but the government compelled them to take to the streets.

He made the remark while exchanging views with journalists at the Sylhet Circuit House in Sylhet on Thursday.

Shafiqur, also the leader of the opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad, said opposition lawmakers elected by the people would not compromise on legitimate demands and that their peaceful movement would continue.

“The government has taken a position against the people’s verdict in just seven months. By rejecting the referendum result, the government has made a mockery of the nation,” he said.

In reply to a question, Shafiqur said, “The government will expect responsible behaviour only from the opposition, but can’t the nation expect responsible behaviour from the government as well?”

He said the government could not evade responsibility for prolonging the national crisis.