Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday said his party will cooperate with the new government if it undertakes initiatives in the interest of the country and its people.

“If the government takes initiatives in the interest of the country and the people, we will cooperate with them. But if it acts against public interest, we will raise protests and resistance,” Shafiqur said after the swearing-in ceremony.

He also stressed that it is unfair for anyone from the interim government to join the new administration.

Reflecting on the July martyrs, he said, “We could not pay tribute to the martyrs of July. We could not become part of the ruling party, but we do not regret that. With the announcement of the election results, the celebrations were merged with the election, and the people could not fully exercise their mandate.”

Dr. Shafiqur further said, “We have respected the aspirations of July and the mandate of the referendum. Refusing to take the oath of the Constitution Reform Council goes against the public’s wishes. This is against reform. If the BNP respects the public’s aspirations, it will take the oath of the Constitution Reform Council. One cannot sit in the prestigious seat of Parliament while disrespecting July.”

He emphasised that Jamaat wants democracy to be institutionalized, ensuring that every citizen feels secure and that employment opportunities are expanded. “Since election night, there have been attacks on men and women in various areas simply for voting for us. We want this to stop. The government will get support wherever a constructive role is played,” he added.