In a historic and much-debated move, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the newly elected Leader of the Opposition, paid floral tributes at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of Saturday to mark Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.
This marks the first time a top leader of Jamaat-e-Islami has officially placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar, a practice the party had previously avoided, with some of its leaders historically labeling the act as “un-Islamic.”
“A Matter of State Protocol”
Following the tribute, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed journalists regarding the shift in the party’s traditional stance. When asked why he chose to attend this year, he clarified that his presence was a formal obligation tied to his new constitutional role.
“I have come here today as part of state protocol. As the Leader of the Opposition, it is my responsibility to attend with my colleagues. That is why I am here,” said Shafiqur Rahman.
The move follows the 13th Parliamentary Elections held on February 12, where Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. Leading an 11-party alliance with a total of 77 seats, Shafiqur Rahman has officially assumed the mantle of the Leader of the Opposition in the new parliament.
Tributes and Prayers
Earlier in the night, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and the newly appointed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman laid wreaths at the monument. Shortly after, the opposition delegation led by Shafiqur Rahman followed.
The Leader of the Opposition was accompanied by:
- A T M Azharul Islam, Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat
- Mujibur Rahman, Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat
- Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP)
- Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of NCP
- Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer of NCP (South)
After placing the flowers, the leaders stood in solemn silence and offered Munajat (prayers) for the souls of the language martyrs.
Remembering Martyrs of All Struggles
Speaking to the press before departing, Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that his respect extended beyond the Language Movement of 1952. He paid homage to those who died in 1947, the Liberation War of 1971, the 1990 uprising, and those who fell during the “fascist rule” of the last 15 years.
He specifically highlighted the “July Warriors” who sacrificed their lives in the recent movement for national rights, mentioning Osman Hadi among those remembered.
Addressing the Controversy
The event has sparked intense discussion on social media due to Jamaat’s long-standing absence from Shaheed Minar ceremonies. When a reporter pointedly asked if the party still considered the act of offering flowers “forbidden” (Na-jayez) in Islam, Shafiqur Rahman avoided a direct theological debate.
“Why are you asking such a question today?” he countered, before leaving the premises without further comment.
While the party did not announce a general organizational program for the Shaheed Minar, Jamaat’s official social media channels had previously confirmed that the Ameer would attend strictly as part of his state duties as the Leader of the Opposition.
