Jamaat to establish shadow cabinet for oversight, accountability: Shafiqur

The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will establish a shadow cabinet to ensure oversight and accountability of government actions, party's Ameer and leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman has announced.

In a statement last night (17 February), Shafiqur said, "In the spirit of accountability and transparency, we will establish a shadow cabinet to rigorously scrutinise, diligently challenge, and responsibly strengthen every decision made in service of the public."

The Jamaat chief further said, "Today marks a new chapter in Bangladesh's democratic journey-one defined by civic engagement, the clear expression of the people's will, and the shared responsibility to strengthen our institutions."

Referring to the recent national elections and the referendum on the July National Charter and essential reforms, he said, "Citizens exercised their democratic rights with courage and determination," adding, "The voice of the people is the highest authority in a democracy and must always be honoured."

Addressing the people, Shafiqur said, "We speak first to the people of Bangladesh: you placed your trust in us, walked beside us, and believed change was possible. For that, we are profoundly grateful."

He added, "We will honour their sacrifice by continuing the work-democratically and relentlessly- until the just, free, and transformative future they stood up for is fully realised."

On leadership, Shafiqur said that true national leadership is service, not status, and that it exists to uplift the people, protect their safety and dignity, and act only in their best interest.

He also said power is a trust, not a privilege, and that leaders must remain transparent, accountable and answerable to the citizens who grant them authority

Regarding the July Charter, he expressed deep sadness and disappointment over what he described as the decision of the new prime minister and government not to fulfil their commitment by refusing to take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council.

He said he did not understand the decision, noting that they had signed the Charter and campaigned for the "yes" vote. "The people of Bangladesh deserve consistency between words and actions, and fidelity to the commitments made before them."

Shafiqur said, "Our vision for Bangladesh is clear: every citizen deserves equal treatment under the law, regardless of race, religion, or creed," adding that women must be at the centre of national progress and that good governance, transparency and accountability remain essential.

"The people want a corruption-free country, and we will continue to hold fast to that promise," he said.