11-party alliance’s Kushtia long march Oct 31

Leaders of the 11-party political alliance have announced a long march from Dhaka to Kushtia via Khulna on October 31, while raising concerns over law and order, corruption and alleged politicisation of public appointments and promotions.

At a press briefing on Friday, the leaders said their alliance would remain united until the July Charter is implemented and a referendum is held. They also warned the government against any alleged manipulation in the upcoming by-election in Thakurgaon-1, scheduled for October 29, claiming that their alliance candidate, Delwar Hossain, was gaining public support.

The leaders cautioned that any attempt at election engineering would be unacceptable and urged the government to learn from the controversial Magura election of the past.

The speakers expressed concern over the law and order situation, citing what they described as rising drug-related problems and violence. They called for effective action by the Home Ministry, stronger anti-corruption measures through the Anti-Corruption Commission and an independent human rights commission to address enforced disappearances, killings and other alleged abuses.

They also accused the authorities of continuing partisan recruitment and promotions despite the July movement’s call to eliminate discrimination and ensure merit-based opportunities.

The leaders criticised the reported pressure on members of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission to resign and raised objections to appointments and promotions to additional secretary-level positions at the Election Commission, describing the developments as examples of unprecedented politicisation.