Opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday accused Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of failing to honor his pledge to implement the referendum verdict, urging the government to fulfill the commitments it had made to the people.
"Do not become a national traitor. Fulfill the promises made to the people and implement the referendum verdict," Shafiqur said while addressing an 11-party alliance rally at the Rangpur District School Ground.
He alleged that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had promised before the election to support both his party and the referendum but had fulfilled only the first pledge.
The rally was organized to demand implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, enforcement of the referendum verdict, an end to border killings and alleged push-ins, and measures to ease public suffering.
Shafiqur said attempts were being made to divert public attention away from the demand to implement the referendum verdict.
"Many things are being said to distract us from the demand for implementing the referendum verdict in different ways. But we cannot betray the nation. We have promised the people that we will continue our struggle and ensure the implementation of the referendum verdict, InshaAllah," he said.
"We will not move an inch from this position. I am reaffirming this commitment here in Rangpur, the land soaked in the blood of Abu Sayed," he added.
He said the country's youth had fought against inequality and corrupt politics to build a new Bangladesh and claimed the referendum was held to bring about reforms.
Turning to the Teesta issue, Shafiqur said the ruling party had launched the "Jago Bahe Teesta Bachao" movement before the election but had made no allocation for the Teesta project in the current budget.
"We do not want empty words. We want practical action. If this government fails, the 11-party alliance, with the support and votes of the people, will form the government in the future and implement the Teesta project, InshaAllah," he said.
Shafiqur also alleged that India was creating tensions along the border while the government remained silent.
"The people are not only protesting, they are also standing beside BGB personnel to resist such actions. We salute these brave people," he said.
He criticized the government's silence over the issue and urged it to reflect the aspirations of the people instead of acting to please others.
Reiterating his demand, he said there should be no further delay in implementing the Teesta project.
Leaders of the alliance's constituent parties also addressed the rally, which was chaired by Opposition Chief Whip and NCP Convener Nahid Islam.
