Jamaat to fully support constructive, realistic reforms: Taher

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Saturday (April 26) said his party would extend full support to constructive and pragmatic reforms aimed at ensuring the welfare of the country and its people.

“Jamaat fully agrees with any pragmatic changes or reforms that are beneficial for the country, the nation and people,” he said in his opening speech at the talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Taher emphasised that Jamaat is committed to cooperating with initiatives that promote national interest, provided they are realistic and beneficial for the public.

He also called for inclusive dialogue to make the reform process more effective and sustainable.

A 10-member Jamaat delegation, led Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, participated in the discussion that began at 10:30am with Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz in the chair.

Taher said they never want to prioritise party or personal interests over what is beneficial for the country and the nation.

“We agree that the nation wants to see a new Bangladesh,” he said, adding that people are frustrated with Bangladesh even after 54 years of independence and they feel deprived at least to some extent.

Noting that Bangladeshis a brave nation, he said whenever people were deprived, they protested and resisted.

“We had become independent in 1947 but did not get freedom. We gained independence in 1971 through a long struggle but didn’t become independent. We’ve gained a second wave of freedom or a new Bangladesh through the July mass uprising. But whether we are truly free, only time will tell,” he said.

He criticised past leaders for failing to value the people’s sacrifices and needs. “We hope the new opportunity before us will not be wasted like before. We must tread cautiously and, if necessary, act firmly. We must work to correct the fundamental issues.”