Deputy Speaker will have no legitimacy if reforms are not fully implemented: Jamaat Nayeb-e-Amir Taher

PNN | News Desk Dhaka

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Amir Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said that if the government takes steps to appoint a Deputy Speaker based on the July Charter, it will only be legitimate when full reforms are implemented according to the verdict of the referendum.

Otherwise, such a decision will have no legitimacy, he said.

He made these remarks at a press conference on the current political situation held at Jamaat’s central office in Mogbazar, Dhaka on Thursday (March 6).

Responding to a question about the Deputy Speaker, Taher said the current constitution provides for one Speaker and one Deputy Speaker in parliament. However, according to the July Charter, there should be one Speaker and two Deputy Speakers—one from the ruling party and one from the opposition.

He said if the government wants to make a decision under the current constitution, Jamaat will examine it from a legal perspective. However, he added that the government must provide a written proposal on the matter.

Taher also demanded that the July Charter be given a legal basis and incorporated into the constitution.

He further spoke about Jamaat’s courtesy meeting with Paul Kapur, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs.

He said the meeting discussed Bangladesh–US relations, investment opportunities, and cooperation in the technology sector.

He noted that investment opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) were particularly highlighted before the US delegation. Such investment could create new employment opportunities for young people in Bangladesh.

Regarding international developments, he said Jamaat opposes war amid rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States and called for diplomatic solutions to conflicts.

Taher also alleged that the government is behind a writ petition filed in court regarding the reform process. He said the petition is delaying reforms and ignoring the public mandate by using the judiciary.

He also accused various institutions in the country of becoming politicized, saying attempts are being made to seize offices and destabilize universities. However, he said students are now more aware than before, so such efforts will not succeed.

Taher further said Jamaat believes it could have formed the government if the election had been fair. At the same time, the party is trying to establish a new political culture as an opposition force.

He also claimed that incidents of violence occurred in various parts of the country after the election, including murder, rape, and arson.

He warned that if the situation does not change, Jamaat will take a stronger position in the streets and play a more active role inside parliament.