Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said the Jatiya Sangsad should play a meaningful and effective role in fulfilling the expectations of the nation and its people.

“As the opposition, we want to play the role of a responsible opposition,” he said while briefing reporters after a meeting of the parliamentary committee of the opposition alliance at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

He expressed hope that Bangladesh would move forward on the path of effective and sustainable democracy through the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

Shafiqur Rahman said his party would support and cooperate with all decisions and steps taken by the government for the welfare of the country and its people. However, if any decision harms the country or the nation, they will act according to their responsibilities.

“We will first point out the mistakes, offer suggestions and provide opportunities for correction. If those suggestions are not considered, we will protest. If protest also fails, we will firmly stand for the rights of the people,” he said, adding that they want problems to be resolved at the initial stage through discussion.

He said the government, being in the majority in parliament, has the power to take many decisions, but decisions taken after logical discussion would be best for the nation.

The Jamaat leader also urged the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to take oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council.

He said if the government continues to implement the demands raised for public welfare, they will continue to welcome such steps.

Shafiqur Rahman expressed optimism that Bangladesh would be freed from corruption and misrule and that the government would conduct its activities in line with the aspirations of the July movement.

The 13th Parliament is set to start its five-year journey with its first session on Thursday morning, just one month on from the February 12 general election.

Unlike in the past however, the first session of the new parliament is going to begin with the Chair of Speaker vacant as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are currently unavailable.

At the outset of the session, Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will deliver a welcome speech and nominate the name of a senior member of parliament to temporarily chair the House before election to the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker by Members of Parliament.