Shafiqur Rahman named opposition leader, Taher as deputy leader

Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has recognised Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman as the Leader of the Opposition and the party's Naib-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

The Parliament Secretariat issued a notification to this effect on Thursday, March 12.

According to the notification, Dr Shafiqur Rahman has been recognised as the Leader of the Opposition as the leader of the party or alliance with the largest number of members opposing the ruling party in the 13th National Parliament.

The same notification mentioned the recognition of Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. The Speaker granted this recognition in light of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament and the law relating to the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

According to parliamentary protocol, the Leader of the Opposition enjoys the rank and privileges of a full minister. As such, this recognition of the Jamaat Ameer is significant not only for parliamentary formalities but also in terms of state protocol.

It is noteworthy that the 13th National Parliament began its proceedings on March 12. Earlier, after taking oath on February 17, Dr Shafiqur Rahman was nominated as the Leader of the Opposition. On the same day, Abdullah Taher was nominated as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam was nominated as the Chief Whip of the Opposition.