Opposition Movement Has Begun and Will Continue Until Success, Says Shafiqul Rahman

Amid rising political tensions across Bangladesh, opposition leader Shafiqul Rahman has announced that a nationwide movement has already begun, saying it will continue until its objectives are achieved.

Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, Rahman said the movement is no longer in its initial phase and is gradually becoming more organised across the country.

The event was held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in Kakrail. It was organised by an 11-party alliance under the theme “Government Against the Verdict of the People: A Nation at a Crossroads.”

Rahman, who also serves as the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said the movement is being carried out in line with demands for reforms based on the so-called “July Charter.” He insisted that the opposition will remain on the streets until those demands are fulfilled.

“This movement has already started. It will continue step by step until it reaches its goal,” he said, adding that the opposition will only return home after achieving success.

He also criticised the government and the current political system, saying that citizens are increasingly aware of where real power in the country is concentrated. He pointed to what he described as concerning behaviour inside and outside parliament, warning that it is deepening political instability.

Rahman said participation in parliament is not merely a matter of political convenience but part of a broader struggle for public rights. He added that the opposition may remain in parliament or withdraw from it depending on the situation, but its main focus will remain strengthening its street movement.

He further alleged that a culture of suppressing dissent has developed in the country, where opposing voices are often marginalised. According to him, this poses a serious threat to democratic values.

On the banking sector, Rahman expressed concern over political influence in financial institutions. He warned that instability in major banks, particularly Islami Bank, could have serious consequences for the national economy.

Naheed Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party, also spoke at the seminar. He alleged that the outcome of a public mandate has been ignored and prior commitments have not been fulfilled, which has created a renewed need for political mobilisation.

Several other political leaders and analysts also addressed the event, expressing concern over the current political climate and calling for an urgent resolution to the crisis.

The discussion throughout the seminar was largely dominated by criticism of the government, reflecting growing uncertainty about the country’s political direction. Analysts suggest that the opposition’s stance may indicate an escalation of street-level political activity in the coming days, potentially increasing tensions nationwide.