"Politics Isn't About Viral Facebook Statuses": State Minister Shama Obayed in Parliament

During a discussion on the President's speech on Tuesday (April 28), she remarked that BNP leaders have practiced politics by facing bullets and persecution for the past 17 years. While acknowledging the passion of the youth in the July uprising, she expressed disappointment over corruption allegations against some young members of the post-August 5 interim government, emphasizing that statecraft requires experience and wisdom beyond emotion.

Calling the current assembly a "Unique Parliament of the Oppressed," Shama Obayed noted the presence of lawmakers who survived enforced disappearances, the notorious "Ayna Ghor," and death row. Addressing the debate over the President's legitimacy, she argued that questioning the President would inadvertently question the legality of the entire interim government sworn in after August 5. She concluded by stating that the BNP has a legacy of major national reforms—from garments to parliamentary democracy—and assured that the "July Charter" and justice for victims of enforced disappearances would be realized under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.