The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a peaceful long march from Dhaka to Chittagong on Saturday, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, trial of the July massacre, an end to power, oil, gas and fertiliser shortages, measures to curb rising prices of essential commodities, and an end to extortion, corruption and partisan politics.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Mia Golam Parwar urged the government to provide administrative support to ensure the programme is held peacefully.
The alliance will also press for improved law and order.
He made the call while speaking to journalists after the alliance’s final preparatory meeting at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, on Friday.
Golam Parwar said the opposition was continuing to play a disciplined, constructive and responsible role both inside and outside parliament to ease public suffering.
“We urge the government to provide all necessary administrative support to make the opposition’s largest peaceful political programme a success and retain public confidence,” he said.
He warned that any attempt by the government or ruling-party activists to create obstacles to the long march would further erode public confidence and could trigger public anger.
“We hope neither the government nor anyone from the ruling party will take such an ill-advised step,” he said.
Golam Parwar alleged that although six months had passed since the government took office, no initiative had been taken to implement the referendum verdict.
“There is no note of dissent in the referendum verdict. The BNP’s note of dissent was rejected in the referendum,” he said.
He said the alliance was not seeking to oust the government but wanted it to respect the referendum verdict and accept its six-point demands.
“We are not launching a movement to topple the government. Our demand is simple: accept the referendum verdict and our six-point demands,” he said.
Calling for political tolerance, he said the country should move beyond the culture of political violence following the recent political transition.
“We do not anticipate any sabotage. There is no reason for any loss of life or property during a peaceful and safe long march,” he said.
Golam Parwar said the 11-party alliance had formally informed the Inspector General of Police about the programme.
He said around 1,500 vehicles were expected to join the convoy, with thousands of people likely to line both sides of the road to welcome the march.
The opening rally will begin at 7:00am at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka. Roadside rallies will be held at Kanchpur in Narayanganj, Paduar Bazar Bishwaroad in Comilla, Mohipal in Feni and Mirsarai. The final rally will be held at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong.
Delegates travelling with the convoy will not get off their vehicles to attend the roadside rallies, which will be organised by local party units.
Vehicles joining the convoy will carry stickers and will not be allowed to enter the procession while it is moving. New vehicles can join only at the rear of the convoy. Media vehicles will also travel with the convoy to cover the programme.
The alliance leaders urged the public and party activists to participate in the long march peacefully and with patience, courage and discipline.