Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today said his party would extend cooperation to the government in every possible sphere if sought, in the greater interest of the country and its people.

"If the ruling party wants, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will assist the government in all areas for the welfare of the nation and its citizens," he told journalists after a views-exchange meeting with the party's newly elected Members of Parliament at Al-Falah Auditorium in the capital's Moghbazar area this evening.

Referring to past elections, Shafiqur Rahman said fair voting had not always been ensured in the country in the struggle to establish democracy, and many citizens were deprived of their voting rights. "This time, people have been able to exercise their voting rights. We will work to fulfill the expectations with which the people have elected us," he said.

Seeking cooperation from citizens in the days ahead, he added, "We will not leave you. In happiness and hardship, we will remain by your side, Insha'Allah."

Expressing hope that responsible conduct by both the government and the opposition would help institutionalize democracy, the Jamaat chief said a new chapter would begin with the oath-taking ceremony of the Members of Parliament tomorrow. "Through this, a new history will be created. If we work with accountability, we hope to overcome whatever challenges lie ahead," he said.

Highlighting the significance of the July mass uprising, he said the party would move forward upholding the spirit of "July," recalling that the nation had struggled during that time and, through immense acrifice and loss of life, freed itself from fascism. 

"If we forget July, it will return again and again. The aspirations for which people shed blood in July will be upheld in Parliament without compromise," he said.

Shafiqur Rahman also expressed hope that raising the people's voices in Parliament would make democracy more vibrant.

Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam, Prof. Mujibur Rahman MP, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, former MP ANM Shamsul Islam, Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP, former MP Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad, and other central and metropolitan leaders along with the party's newly elected lawmakers, were also present at the meeting.BSS