Opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has warned that his party and its allies will launch a one-point movement if the government fails to implement the July Movement Charter, uphold the referendum verdict and accept their eight-point demands.
“If the government does not implement the July Movement Charter and the verdict of the referendum, and does not accept the eight-point demands, we will be forced to call for a one-point movement,” he said while addressing a street rally at Matidali Airport intersection in Bogra metropolitan city at around 5pm on Saturday as the chief guest of the 11-party alliance’s long march.
“If the eight points are accepted, there is no need for a one-point movement. But if they are not accepted, be prepared for a one-point movement. We will fight and seize victory for 180 million people.”
“This time, the long march has been from Dhaka towards Rangpur. The next long march will be from Panchagarh towards Dhaka. We do not care about any threats or drama. We will not return home without establishing the rights of the people,” he said.
The long march convoy heading from Dhaka to Rangpur reached Bogra by road, where local leaders and activists welcomed the participants.
A large number of leaders, activists and supporters joined the rally at Matidali Airport intersection. Leaders and activists from Bogra also joined the long march with a convoy of more than 100 vehicles.
Shafiqur said 70% of people voted yes in the referendum.
“You wanted that vote, and we wanted it too. But why did you change the venue? Even though you formed the government standing on the blood of those martyred in July, you did not implement the July Charter,” he said.
Criticizing rising fuel and essential commodity prices, the Jamaat chief said: “The government had said it would create employment for 10 million people. But the keys to extortion have been handed over to 10 million people. Fertilizer prices have been increased. The crisis of electricity and gas has also reached an extreme level.”
Criticizing the energy minister’s statement, he said: “The minister says there is no shortage of electricity. Electricity goes out because of his long [something]! Such an unrealistic statement is shameful.”
The Jamaat ameer also alleged discrimination in government job recruitment examinations.
“In the new constitution, the marks allocated for viva examinations are being made twice those for written examinations to appoint party cadres and terrorists,” he said.
“In the 2024 movement, young people gave their lives demanding the right to jobs and an end to discrimination. If necessary, they are prepared to give their lives again.”
The Jamaat chief also expressed concern over the law-and-order situation.
“A 13-year-old child of a female teacher at Comilla University was found dead two days after going missing. We want security for our children. But unfortunately, although the home minister performs the responsibilities of all ministers, he cannot keep track of his own ministry,” he said.
The rally was chaired by Bogra Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer Abdur Rahman Sohel.
LDP Chairman Colonel Oli Ahmed, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, NCP Convener Nahid Islam MP, among others, spoke at the rally.
Earlier, local leaders and activists welcomed the long march convoy when it reached Chandaikona in Bogra via Hatikumrul in Sirajganj.