The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a long march across Khulna division on October 31 to protest what it describes as a unilateral attempt to amend the constitution outside the legal process approved in the referendum.
The alliance is also demanding improvements in law and order and action on other issues outlined in its seven-point charter.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar announced the programme at a press conference at the Jashore Press Club auditorium on Sunday afternoon.
Porwar said 70 percent of voters in the referendum had supported implementing reforms through a constitution reform council.
“But the government is ignoring the people’s verdict, excluding opposition parties and moving to amend the constitution through its own process,” he said.
He added that Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Shafiqur Rahman, along with the top leaders of the 11 parties, had already rejected the government’s move.
The alliance’s seven-point charter includes implementing constitutional reforms through the legal process in line with the referendum verdict, improving the deteriorating law and order situation, and bringing the prices of essential commodities under control.
The coalition also demands an end to shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser, as well as an end to partisan politicisation in the administration, educational institutions and other sectors.
Its other demands include stopping corruption, extortion and illegal land grabbing, and ensuring the swift arrest and trial of those responsible for killings during the July mass uprising.
According to the announcement, the long march will begin at 7:00am on October 31 with an inaugural rally at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka.
The 12-hour programme will include brief roadside rallies at several locations, including Murali Mor in Jashore and the Jhenaidah bus terminal. It will conclude with a public rally at the Kushtia Government College ground.
The organisers said around 1,000 vehicles could join the procession. The convoy will leave Dhaka and travel through Mawa in Munshiganj, Naodoba in Shariatpur, Katakhali Mor in Rajshahi, Shibbari and Phultala in Khulna, Murali Mor in Jashore and the Jhenaidah bus terminal before reaching Kushtia.
The organisers urged the Roads and Highways Department and local administrations to repair damaged sections of roads and highways promptly to facilitate the movement of vehicles. They also sought cooperation from local police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure security during the programme.
Jamaat leaders expressed advance regret for any temporary inconvenience the long march might cause to the public along the route.
Current and former members of parliament from Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Meherpur and other districts of Khulna division, along with senior local leaders of the 11-party alliance, attended the press conference.
Jamaat Mourns Deaths of Two Bangladeshis in Riyadh Airport Attack
Meanwhile, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 12 people, including two Bangladeshis, in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Porwar, a former lawmaker, conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
He condemned attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, saying the loss of innocent lives was unacceptable.
“Such violence threatens regional peace, security and stability,” he said, adding that all parties concerned must ensure the safety of civilians in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
Porwar also stressed the importance of protecting Bangladeshis living and working in Saudi Arabia, noting their significant contribution to the country’s economy.
He urged the relevant authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and provide necessary assistance to the affected families.
He also called on the Bangladesh government to take immediate steps to repatriate the bodies of the deceased. In addition, he urged the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia and other relevant authorities to ensure adequate medical care for the injured.