Dhaka: The opposition 11-party alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, has announced its plans for a significant long march from the capital towards Rangpur on September 19. The march aims to press for a seven-point demand, which includes the implementation of the 'people's verdict' from the February 12 referendum, a trial for the mass killings in July 2024, and resolutions for the ongoing energy and fertilizer crisis.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the alliance's coordinator, Hamidur Rahman Azad, who is also the Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, disclosed these plans during an emergency preparatory meeting. The meeting was convened at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition in the capital. In addition to the inaugural meeting at Manik Mia Avenue and a concluding rally at Rangpur Zilla School, the alliance will conduct five street-corner meetings across five districts on that day.
The additional demands spotlighted by the alliance include measures to control the soaring prices of essential commodities, an end to corruption, extortion, and violence, improvement of the law and order situation, and an end to narrow partisanization. The alliance's long march is set to begin at 7:00 AM from Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, with the inaugural rally continuing until 8:00 AM. Following this, roadside rallies are planned at Bhograpara in Gazipur, Nagar Jalfai in Tangail, Sirajganj Chowrasta, Charmatha in Bogra, and Palashbari in Gaibandha before the concluding rally at Rangpur Zilla School.
Hamidur Rahman Azad emphasized that the opposition's original six-point demand has now evolved into a seven-point agenda, with the addition of demands to halt corruption, land grabbing, and extortion. He expressed concerns over rising corruption levels and alleged that the government has not taken effective measures to address the ongoing oil and gas crisis, despite previous calls for action. He also highlighted a proposal by the Leader of the Opposition to resolve the crisis through a collaborative task force or committee, which was not considered by the government.
Additionally, Azad raised alarm over an emerging fertilizer shortage, warning that if unresolved, it could lead to a food crisis affecting the entire nation. Present at the press briefing were other leaders of the 11-party alliance, including Nasiruddin Patwary, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party, Tofazzal Hossain Miyaji, Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and Rashed Prodhan, Spokesperson for the Jatiya Ganotantrik Party.