Tarique–Shafiq Meeting Marks New Political Moment
On the eve of forming a government after securing a majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), visited the residence of Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Upon arrival, Tarique Rahman greeted the Jamaat chief with flowers.
Following a landslide electoral victory, Tarique paid the courtesy call at around 7:00 pm on Sunday, February 15, at the Jamaat Ameer’s residence in the Bashundhara Residential Area of the capital. In what was described as a warm and cordial atmosphere, the two leaders held nearly an hour-long discussion on rebuilding a “New Bangladesh.” As Tarique departed, a group of children bid him farewell; some took selfies while others exchanged handshakes.
Among those present were BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan. Also in attendance were Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Department Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, and International Affairs Secretary and Central Executive Council Member Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher.
During the courtesy meeting, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman briefed Tarique Rahman on several key issues.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, congratulating the presumed incoming prime minister in advance, Shafiqur Rahman wrote: “I extend advance congratulations to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman as the future Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He visited my residential office today. His visit marks a historic moment in our national politics. I welcome his presence and hope that through dialogue and responsibility, this will usher in a new chapter of political maturity and mutual respect.”
The Jamaat Ameer said, “I dream of building a Bangladesh free from fascism, sovereign, and founded on justice and fairness. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, together with the 11-party alliance, is committed to establishing a prosperous, stable, and modern state guided by democratic values and constitutional governance. In our discussion, he assured that effective measures will be taken to prevent post-election violence and any attacks on opposition activists and minority communities. I commend this assurance. We expect that no citizen will suffer from fear or insecurity.”
He further added, “On matters of national interest, we will extend full cooperation to the elected government. However, as an ideological opposition party, we will remain uncompromising in fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities. We will support the government’s welfare-oriented initiatives, but where accountability is required, we will raise our voice. Our objective is not confrontation but correction; not obstruction but oversight. The people of the country expect a parliament that safeguards justice and citizens’ rights while moving the state forward with stability.”
DBTech/SH/MR/OR
