Sylhet geared up for divisional rally today: Adv Zubair

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and central leader of the 11-Party Alliance, Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, on Friday said Sylhet is fully prepared to host the alliance's divisional rally scheduled tomorrow on the Government Alia Madrasah Ground.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the rally venue, Zubair said the programme is part of the alliance's nationwide campaign demanding the implementation of the ‘July Referendum’ and the trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates.

He said the series of divisional rallies, which began in Rajshahi, had drawn large crowds across the country despite adverse weather conditions. Expressing optimism over a strong turnout in Sylhet, he urged journalists and residents of the division to extend their cooperation to make the programme successful.

Zubair alleged that one of the key aspirations of the July Uprising was constitutional reform aimed at building a discrimination-free Bangladesh. However, he claimed that the BNP-led government had failed to honour its commitment by not administering the oath to the Constitutional Reform Council, despite prior political pledges.

He also criticised the government for allegedly abolishing the Judicial Secretariat and the Human Rights Commission, making partisan appointments in key state institutions, and appointing administrators to local government bodies instead of holding elections. According to him, these steps contradict the objectives of the July Uprising.

He said Saturday's rally would focus on Sylhet's long-standing development disparities, regional demands, constitutional reform, and the country's current political situation. The alliance's central leaders are also expected to announce new political programmes during the event.

Leaders of the 11-Party Alliance from Sylhet attended the press briefing.

According to the organisers, the rally will begin at 230pm on Saturday. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman, MP, will attend as the chief guest, while Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Dr Col (Retd) Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram will preside over the programme. Senior leaders from the National Citizen Party (NCP), AB Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Labour Party, Jagpa and other alliance partners are also expected to address the gathering.