'Struggle for a humane Bangladesh will continue'

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has vowed to continue the movement until a society free from discrimination, corruption and misrule is established in the country.

"Our struggle will continue until a humane environment, a corruption-free system of governance and a discrimination-free society are established in Bangladesh," he said, calling on people from all walks of life to join the movement.

The opposition leader made the remarks at an impromptu roadside rally at Bhatipara Golchattar in Kashiani upazila of Gopalganj around 11:30AM on Saturday while participating in the 11-party alliance's Dhaka-Khulna-Kushtia long march.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque also addressed the gathering, saying the alliance had taken to the streets with a seven-point charter of demands to secure people's rights.

He warned that the seven-point demands could turn into a single-point demand at any time if circumstances required.

"In the interest of the country and the people, these seven demands could become one at any time. I urge the people to remain prepared for such a movement," Mamunul Haque said.

The long march is part of a nationwide programme announced by the 11-party alliance to press for the implementation of the referendum verdict and fulfilment of its seven-point demands.

Leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP) and other alliance partners began their journey from Dhaka on Saturday morning, heading towards Khulna and Kushtia.

The alliance's demands include implementation of the referendum mandate, justice for the July killings, resolving shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser, controlling prices of essential commodities, tackling corruption and extortion, improving law and order, and ending partisan control of public institutions.

The long march is aimed at mobilising public support for the alliance's demands through rallies and roadside gatherings along the route.

Jamaat Ameer vows to build nation free of corruption