Inqilab Mancha's 'March for Justice' begins from Banglabandha

The Inqilab Mancha has launched a nationwide 'March for Justice' campaign from Banglabandha in Panchagarh, demanding a speedy trial in the murder of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, implementation of the July Charter and justice for the July, Shapla and Pilkhana massacres.

The march began at around 12PM on Wednesday from the zero point of Banglabandha land port. Before setting off, participants held prayers and supplications.

They later distributed leaflets outlining their demands among people in the port area.

Inqilab Mancha said the march will travel from Banglabandha through Tetulia and onward to Teknaf, with the campaign scheduled to conclude in December. A mass rally is planned at Shahbagh in Dhaka on December 18.

The organisation has outlined three principal demands: ensuring justice for the killing of Osman bin Hadi; implementing the July Charter in line with the verdict of the referendum; and bringing those responsible for the July, Shapla and Pilkhana massacres to justice.

It has also called for suspects allegedly involved in the killings who are currently staying in India to be brought back to Bangladesh and prosecuted by December.

On the first day, the marchers plan to walk about 21 kilometres from Banglabandha to Tetulia, distributing leaflets at markets and other stops along the route.

A 30-member delegation led by Inqilab Mancha convener Abdullah Al Jaber, along with local residents, joined the opening-day programme.

Addressing the gathering, Jaber said nearly 10 months after Hadi’s killing, the government had yet to provide a clear message on those allegedly responsible. He demanded that those directly involved be brought back from India and brought to justice by December.

Jaber alleged that India, the Awami League and India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) were involved in the killing. He said, however, that the movement was not directed against any particular country but against what he described as “hegemony.”

He said the Hadi killing should not be treated as an ordinary criminal case but as an incident linked to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and called for a speedy investigation and trial.

Inqilab Mancha also demanded trials for those responsible for the killings at Shapla Chattar, Pilkhana and during the July uprising, as well as implementation of the referendum verdict and the July Charter.

Jaber said the organisation would continue its peaceful programmes until its demands are met. He said the March for Justice was intended to build public support for the demands while supporting the government in ensuring justice.

He warned that if the authorities delayed implementation or attempted to divert the movement, the organisation would mobilise people to resist such efforts.