The government is preparing to manipulate the Thakurgaon-1 by-election in the same way as the 12 February election, Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, the assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami and coordinator of the 11-party alliance's liaison committee, has alleged.
Briefing reporters after a meeting of the liaison committee today (23 October), he claimed a wave of public support had emerged for the alliance's candidate, Delawar Hossain, at Thakurgaon-2 and voters were preparing to cast their ballots.
"But I am getting information that preparations are underway to engineer the by-election on 29 October in the same way as on 12 February," he said.
The meeting was held at 11am at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman.
Hamidur said, "If the government does not want to remain in power, we cannot force it to stay. Its every action gives the impression that it wants to flee, making excuses to escape the situation."
Long march on 31 October
The Jamaat-led coalition will hold a long march from Dhaka towards Khulna and Kushtia on 31 October, demanding implementation of the people's verdict in the referendum, justice for the July massacre, resolution of electricity, fuel, gas, and fertiliser shortages, and measures to curb rising prices of essential commodities.
The alliance will also demand an end to corruption, extortion, and land grabbing, improvements in law and order, and an end to narrow partisan practices.
Hamidur said the long march would be peaceful, orderly, and people-friendly, with spontaneous public participation.
"We want the government to understand the people's concerns without delay," he said, urging law enforcement officials at headquarters and at district and upazila levels to ensure public safety.
The opening rally will be held at 7am at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital. Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur will attend as the chief guest, alongside senior leaders of the 11 parties.
The long march will set off at 8am with a convoy of around 1,000 vehicles. The procession will travel along the Mawa road, cross the Padma Bridge, and pass through Shariatpur, Madaripur, Bhanga in Faridpur, Gopalganj, Fakirhat in Bagerhat, and the Rupsha Bridge before reaching Khulna.
From there, the convoy will proceed through Jashore and Jhenaidah before joining the concluding rally at Kushtia Zila School ground.
Media workers, doctors, artists, and members of various professional organisations will participate in the journey.
Six roadside rallies
The alliance has announced six roadside rallies along the route:
9am: Naodoba in Jajira, Shariatpur
11am: Kantakhali intersection in Fakirhat, Bagerhat
12:30pm: Babri Chattar in Khulna city
2pm: Swadhinata Chattar at Phultala bus stand
3:30pm: Murali intersection in Jashore
5pm: Bus terminal in Jhenaidah
The convoy is scheduled to join the concluding rally at Kushtia Zila School ground at 8:30pm.