11-party alliance to stage long march on Oct 31

An 11-party political alliance will stage a long march from Dhaka to Kushtia on October 31, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, trial of the July massacre, curbs on rising commodity prices and improved law and order.

The decision was taken at an alliance meeting at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition on Minto Road on Monday. Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim chaired the meeting, while Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar attended as chief guest.

Briefing reporters, Porwar said the programme would begin with a rally at the southern gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 7am.

The procession will pass through Shariatpur, Madaripur, Faridpur, Gopalganj, Bagerhat and Khulna before heading through Jashore and Jhenaidah to Kushtia. A concluding rally will be held at Kushtia Zila School ground at 8:30pm.

The alliance will also demand an end to shortages of electricity, gas, fuel and fertiliser, as well as partisan influence in the administration.

Parwar urged law enforcement agencies, transport workers, traders and the public to cooperate in keeping the programme peaceful and orderly.

He said alliance activists would remain restrained even if provoked.