Dhaka: An 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami commenced a long march from Dhaka to Chattogram on Saturday morning, advocating for a six-point agenda that includes implementing the 'people's verdict' from the February 12 referendum, seeking justice for the mass killings in July 2024, and addressing the multifaceted energy crisis.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the alliance is also pushing for measures to control the rising prices of essential goods, curb extortion and corruption, improve the law and order situation, and put an end to narrow partisan politics. The rally kicked off at 7:00 am at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel, beginning with a recitation from the Holy Quran.
Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, the assistant secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and coordinator of the 11-party alliance, delivered the opening remarks. Leaders of the alliance, including opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, addressed the crowd before the long march convoy set off for Chattogram.
The march will feature roadside rallies starting at the truck stand near Kanchpur Bridge in Narayanganj, followed by stops at Paduar Bazar Bishwaroad in Cumilla, Mohipal in Feni, Mirsarai, and concluding with a public rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram.
Jamaat Secretary General and Long March Implementation Committee Convener Mia Golam Parwar urged the government to ensure all necessary administrative support for the initiative, which he described as the opposition's most significant peaceful political program. He cautioned that any adverse actions by government parties during the march could result in losing public trust and inciting public displeasure.
Parwar clarified that participants in the long march would remain in their vehicles during roadside rallies, which will be organized by local party units. Vehicles in the procession will carry designated stickers, and no unauthorized vehicles will be allowed to join. Media vehicles are permitted to participate to cover the event.
Addressing their demands, Parwar criticized the government for not taking any steps to implement the people's verdict from the referendum, despite being in power for six months.