Govt and opposition are like ‘two wheels of a bicycle’: Golam Parwar

Mia Golam Parwar, secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami and former lawmaker, on Saturday said that in a parliamentary democracy, the ruling party and the opposition are like the “two wheels of a bicycle” that complement each other.

“Just as a bicycle cannot run with one wheel, a country also cannot be effectively governed without an opposition party,” he added while speaking to journalists during the Thakurgaon district Jamaat’s “Member (Rokon) Education Camp-26.”

The event was hosted at the “Manabkallyan Parishad Training Center and Resort” in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila.

“Jamaat-e-Islami is always ready to provide constructive cooperation to the government in nation-building and resolving national crises,” he further said.

“After the election, Jamaat-e-Islami is playing the role of a strong opposition party with 77 members of parliament. From the very first day in parliament, our Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has emphasised ‘responsible’ and ‘constructive’ politics. We will not oppose for the sake of opposition alone. We will fully support the government’s good initiatives, while taking a firm stance against activities that go against public interest.”

Call for bipartisan coordination over fuel crisis

Referring to the country’s recent fuel crisis and rising commodity prices, Golam Parwar said, “During the fuel crisis, vehicles were seen lining up for miles at petrol pumps. At that time, the opposition leader proposed forming a joint committee to resolve the crisis. The prime minister accepted the proposal and formed the committee. This is an unprecedented initiative.”

He added, “Many people are saying that the long queues at fuel stations started to decrease after the committee was formed. This proves that Jamaat-e-Islami does not want to use any national crisis as a tool for political gain; rather, it seeks realistic solutions.”

‘Debt-free and self-reliant budget’

Speaking about preparations for the upcoming budget session scheduled to begin on 7 June, he said, “We have already completed pre-budget discussions. Our goal is to formulate a debt-free and self-reliant budget. In addition, to provide constructive support to the government and ensure accountability in every ministry’s activities, organizational work on forming a ‘shadow cabinet’ is nearly complete. It will be officially announced very soon.”

Criticism of partisan city administrators

Criticizing the government over election-related issues, Golam Parwar said, “Removing elected representatives from city corporations and appointing partisan administrators is completely against the constitution and democracy. We urge an end to this ‘bad culture.’”

He further said, “If the local government election schedule is announced immediately, Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir will participate in elections at all levels with young, talented, and clean-image leadership.”

Allegations regarding the July Charter referendum

Regarding the July Charter implementation referendum and reform proposals, he alleged, “Although 70 percent of people supported 84 reform proposals, the government is trying to preserve an authoritarian system by issuing ‘notes of dissent’ on important constitutional matters.”

He said, “To resolve this crisis, we will remain active both in parliament and on the streets. Time will determine the final course of the movement.”

Comments on Awami League

Responding to a question about the current condition and political activities of the Awami League, Golam Parwar said, “If any party is involved in terrorism or violence, taking action against it is a matter for the government and the courts. However, the beauty of democracy lies in ensuring the right of all registered political parties to carry out peaceful and lawful political activities.”

The education camp, chaired by Thakurgaon district Jamaat Ameer Professor Belal Uddin, was attended by Mia Golam Parwar as the chief guest. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana AHM Abdul Halim was present as a special guest.

It is worth mentioning that the daylong education camp, which began at 9am, was attended by around 550 party members from across the district. Various discussions were held focusing on improving organizational skills, moral practices, and ideological development among participants.