An alliance of 11 parties led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami staged a protest rally and mass procession in Dhaka on Saturday, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, resolution of the energy crisis, control of commodity prices, and relief from public suffering.
The rally was held in Bijoynagar area of the capital in the afternoon.
Speaking as the chair of the rally, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam said, “People cannot be suppressed by party-backed forces, nor will they be. Power cannot be sustained by parliamentary majority alone; it requires public support.”
Addressing the government, he said, “The Awami League had a greater majority in Parliament, but it could not remain in power by going against the people. If you also ignore the referendum verdict and act against the people, you will not be able to stay in power. If people take to the streets, there will be no escape.”
He also alleged that the government was encouraging mob culture, questioning restrictions on freedom of expression and citing an incident involving alleged mob creation at the residence of a political spokesperson.
Calling for constitutional reforms, he urged the government to implement the referendum verdict through a July Charter and form a Constituent Reform Council.
The programme was conducted by Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, an executive member of Jamaat’s central committee and secretary of its Dhaka South City unit.
National Citizen Party (NCP) chief organizer Nasiruddin Patwary said that instead of democracy, “Jatiotabadi rule” had been established after the February 12 election, alleging politicization of state institutions and mismanagement of fuel supply.
Jamaat assistant secretary general Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad said the current government’s behaviour showed no real change from previous administrations, alleging it had taken an anti-people stance.
Khelafat Majlis Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Ahmad Ali Qasemi alleged that a “new authoritarianism” was emerging and warned of public resistance.
Bangladesh Labour Party Secretary General Khandaker Mirazul Islam said people were suffering due to rising prices and artificial fuel shortages, urging implementation of reform measures.
Spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), Rashed Pradhan, also alleged power shortages and fuel crises despite government claims of adequate supply.
After the rally, a mass procession was brought out from Bijoynagar and passed through Kakrail and Nightingale intersection before ending at Shantinagar. Leaders of the 11-party alliance participated in the programme.