Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has warned that if the referendum verdict on the July Charter is not implemented in parliament, it will be realised on the streets.

“What can be resolved in parliament will be resolved there. If not, it will be resolved on the streets. We cannot abandon the people’s demand. We are committed, and we will not betray the people. This demand will be realised -- if not today, then tomorrow, In sha Allah,” he said while speaking at a views exchange meeting with journalists at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad today.

He also said the opposition will not nominate representatives to the government’s proposed committee on constitutional amendment.

He said the people’s demand was constitutional reform, and that was why the referendum was held, with 70 percent of voters supporting it.

On the proposed committee, he drew a distinction between reform and amendment work.

“If a committee is formed for reform, we will consider it. But for amendment, no committee is needed. That is routine work. Bills will come from the treasury bench, we will join the debate, and they will either pass or be rejected. Committees are required only for reform,” he added.

He pledged a more assertive role of the opposition at the parliament, stating, “Our decision is different. We will not be a tamed opposition. Nor will we act in ways that undermine public interest. If our logical proposals are dismissed, we may walk out, but not permanently,” he said.

“We are not here to praise anyone. We are here to speak for the people.”

Highlighting opposition activities, Shafiqur said their first notice was to convene a session on the referendum.

He also raised issues concerning the banking sector, expatriate workers’ problems, and border push-ins.

“Our fragile economy has collapsed -- the stock market is in ruins, banks are on the verge of crumbling. We spoke on these in parliament for the people’s sake,” he said.

On expatriate workers, he said they had proposed a parliamentary taskforce, but the government had yet to respond.

Regarding border push-ins, he said, “Sensitive issues are exactly what must be discussed for the sake of sovereignty.”

The event was attended by Deputy Opposition Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, Whip Rafiqul Islam Khan and Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, among others.