The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a protest rally and procession in the capital on Saturday, demanding immediate implementation of a referendum verdict and opposing the government’s stance on the issue.
The rally was held in the afternoon at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. From noon, leaders and activists from different parts of the city gathered at the venue in small processions.
Participants carried placards reading “Implement the July Charter” and “Respect the referendum verdict,” while chanting slogans in favor of the referendum and against the government’s position.
Presiding over the rally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam said the current prime minister, home minister, cabinet members, and lawmakers were elected due to the July movement. He said the movement was not aimed at replacing one party with another but at transforming the constitutional framework that enabled authoritarian rule, adding that constitutional reforms are necessary to build a new Bangladesh.
He further said the caretaker government system was not easily accepted by the BNP in the past and was introduced after significant sacrifice. “Even now, if the BNP does not accept the referendum verdict and implement the July Charter in time, it will be compelled to do so,” he said, adding that street movements do not produce favourable outcomes for any government.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque said ordinances that expand government power are supported by the BNP, while those ensuring accountability are opposed. He alleged the party is selectively repealing such measures and acting inconsistently, noting that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman had earlier urged voters to support the referendum.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said the BNP is calling the referendum outcome illegitimate despite public endorsement. He added that a constitution must reflect the will of the people rather than partisan interests, and argued that implementing the July Charter would reduce politicisation and introduce a bicameral parliament.
Bangladesh Nizam-e-Islam Party Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Mokhlesur Rahman Qasemi warned that those failing to heed public sentiment could face consequences, while LDP Presidium Member Dr Omar Faruk said rejecting the referendum verdict would amount to establishing fascism.
Following the rally, participants brought out a procession from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram, which passed through the Nightingale intersection and ended at Kakrail, with thousands joining in support of their demands.