‘Eight-point demands may turn into one-point demand if not met’

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman has warned that the eight-point demands of the 11-party alliance could be turned into a single-point demand if the government fails to respond to what he described as the people’s demands.

“This is our second long march. Many people have already lost their temper. Do not lose your temper; accept the people’s demands. If the demands are not met, our eight-point demands may turn into a one-point demand. Then no conspiracy will work. We promise that we will return home only after securing the people’s demands, Insha’Allah.''

Dr Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing the inaugural rally of the 11-party alliance’s Dhaka-Rangpur long march at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Saturday morning.

The alliance organised the long march demanding implementation of the people’s verdict in the referendum, trial of those responsible for the July mass killings, an end to the power, fuel, gas and fertiliser crises, measures to contain rising prices of essential commodities, an end to corruption, extortion and land grabbing, improvement of law and order, an end to narrow partisan control of the administration and implementation of the Teesta Master Plan. The programme was announced as the alliance’s second long march.

Dr Shafiqur said the movement was also focused on electricity, energy and the referendum.

“Our movement is over electricity and energy and the referendum. Our demands may be seven or eight, or even more.''

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Chief Whip of the Opposition Nahid Islam alleged that the government had failed to protect human rights.

“The responsibility of the government was to protect human rights. But they are violating human rights. The BNP, after coming to power, is destroying democracy by violating human rights,” he said.

Addressing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Nahid said, “You have to decide how you will leave power. Will you leave by helicopter like Hasina, or will you leave power with dignity?”

He also alleged that banners and festoons related to the long march had been torn down in different places. “The long march cannot be stopped by tearing down banners and festoons. We will return home after peacefully making the programme a success,” he said.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President and former minister Col (retd) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram alleged that BNP activists were concerned about an end to extortion and violence.

“There has been an outcry among BNP activists because extortion and terrorism will end. This is not a BNP government, nor is it a Hasina government. We are marching to bring the country back on the right track. Do not be led astray by the words of any hypocrite,” he said.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Allama Mamunul Haque called on the government to implement the referendum verdict.

“We are making it clear to the government that the people’s verdict in the referendum must be implemented. If the verdict is not implemented, history will identify them as betrayers,” he said.

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the long march was aimed at informing people about what he described as the government’s “deception and betrayal” over implementation of the July Charter and referendum verdict.

“We are marching to inform millions of people about the deception and betrayal of this government for not implementing the July Charter and the referendum verdict,” he said.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir President Nurul Islam alleged that the BNP government had become alienated from the people within seven months of taking office. He also accused the government of betraying the July Charter and creating instability on university campuses.

The inaugural rally formally began with an opening address by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and former MP Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the 11-party alliance. Jamaat central executive council member and Dhaka South Secretary Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud and Dhaka North Secretary Dr Rezaul Karim jointly moderated the programme.

Among those who addressed the rally were Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party Ameer Maulana Abdul Qayyum Sobhani, AB Party President Mujibur Rahman Manju, Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party Vice-President Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Bangladesh Development Party Chairman Advocate Anwarul Islam Chan, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan Secretary General Mufti Fakhrul Islam, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, Jamaat Dhaka South Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul and Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) VP Sadik Kayem.

The rally began at around 7AM, and the long march convoy left for Rangpur around 8am amid a large gathering of supporters, according to organisers.

The convoy is scheduled to hold rallies at Bhogra Bypass in Gazipur, Nagar Jalfai Bypass in Tangail, Hatikumrul intersection in Sirajganj, Matidali Airport intersection in Bogura and Palashbari in Gaibandha before reaching Rangpur. The concluding rally is scheduled to be held at Rangpur Zilla School ground.

Organisers also said informal roadside gatherings would be held at several points along the route, where local leaders and activists of the 11 parties would welcome the convoy.

TR/TF