Jamaat needs more time to prepare before seeking to govern the country: Rashed Khan

Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Rashed Khan today (2 October) urged Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to spend more time preparing itself before seeking to govern the country.

He said the government and the opposition should work together during the current period of state rebuilding following the mass uprising, and that people do not want to see any anti-government movement at this time.

Rashed made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Chattogram Circuit House this afternoon.

“Take more time to prepare yourselves [Jamaat]. After that, you can launch movements against the government to run the country; we will have no objection. But people do not want to see any anti-government movement at this moment,” he said.

He also said one political force is currently responsible for running the state while another is the main opposition party, making cooperation between the two sides necessary for rebuilding the country.

“If the state is not rebuilt this time, it will never be rebuilt in the future. Let us work together,” he added.

Rashed also criticised the political activities of Jamaat and the NCP, saying national crises should not be used for political purposes in a way that confuses the public.

On the ongoing energy crisis, he said it was both a national and international crisis. He claimed that the impact of the war in the Middle East had created the energy crisis in Bangladesh.

Commenting on the opposition’s long march towards Chattogram, Rashed said such programmes had increased public suffering by capitalising on the crisis.

The government has adopted long-term plans to address the crisis, he said, adding that initiatives are underway to reduce dependence on imports and generate electricity from alternative sources, including water, wind and solar power.

“We will be able to overcome this crisis within the next few months,” he said.

Rashed also urged political parties to avoid activities that could create an opportunity for the Awami League to return to politics.

“Do not behave in a way that creates a path for the Awami League to return. Do not do anything that would allow the Awami League to return and oppress you again,” he said.

Speaking about Chattogram’s role in the 2024 July Uprising, Rashed said Chattogram and Rangpur had played important roles, while the sacrifices of Rangpur’s Abu Sayeed and Chattogram Chhatra Dal leader Wasim Akram had inspired people during the movement.

“Wasim is a brave son of Chattogram. May Wasim remain in our hearts,” he said.

Rashed also said he would visit Wasim Akram’s grave the following day.