Jamaat accuses govt of political immaturity, mismanagement

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Wednesday accused the government of political immaturity, saying it had fallen into disarray within seven months of taking office.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 49th founding anniversary programme of the Bangladesh Labour Party at its central office in Dhaka, Parwar urged the government to honour the July Charter referendum mandate and hold talks with opposition parties on constitutional reforms.

He said the resignation of three ministers and an MP since the BNP took office reflects the government's failure to manage its responsibilities effectively.

Criticising the government for “blaming opposition for garment and industrial sector unrest", Parwar said inflation exceeding 9% and rising prices of essentials were putting working-class families under growing economic pressure.

He urged the government to negotiate with employers and ensure wages are in line with the cost of essential commodities.

The Jamaat leader also accused the government of trying to silence the opposition by portraying criticism of alleged corruption, extortion, land grabbing, and partisan appointments as "attempts to destabilise the country."

He warned against what he described as the government's reliance on intelligence agencies, comparing the practice to the authoritarian methods of the previous Awami League government.

Citing an alleged threat by Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni to withhold development allocations from unions that would not elect BNP candidates, Parwar also alleged partisan appointments to city corporations, district councils and other public bodies.

Parwar said his party had refrained from violent programmes despite disagreements with the government, warning that political confrontation could create an opportunity for the Awami League to regain a foothold.

He also urged people to join the third phase of the Dhaka-Khulna-Jashore-Jhenaidah-Kushtia long march scheduled for 31 October.

Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Mostafizar Rahman Iran presided over the programme, attended by senior leaders of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance.