Jamaat threatens to topple govt over referendum

He made the warning while addressing a roadside rally at Katakhali in Bagerhat on Saturday (October 31) as part of the 11-party alliance's long march programme.

Shafiqur Rahman said, "This long march is not a movement to seize power, but a peaceful programme to realise the legitimate demands of the people. Our goal is to build public opinion to secure the demands and rights of ordinary people."

Thousands of leaders, activists and supporters of the 11-party alliance began gathering around Katakhali intersection in Bagerhat from the morning ahead of the long march. They arrived in processions of various sizes from different upazilas of the district and neighbouring areas. Bagerhat district Jamaat leaders also addressed the gathering.

A temporary stage and reception booths were set up at Katakhali intersection to welcome the central leaders of the long march. The area was decorated with banners, festoons and party flags. Meanwhile, female activists stood in rows along both sides of the road in the Faqirhat area of the Khulna-Dhaka highway to welcome the long march convoy.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman addressed the brief roadside rally at Katakhali as the chief guest. The long march then resumed its journey towards the next destination.

Leaders of the 11-party alliance said Bagerhat is a strategically important district for the economy, communication and tourism of the southwestern region. Issues raised at the Katakhali rally included longstanding deprivation in the region, which is home to Mongla Port and the Sundarbans, road connectivity between Khulna and Bagerhat, the rightful demands of farmers and fishermen, and regional development.

Meanwhile, additional police personnel were deployed at Katakhali and various intersections along the Khulna-Bagerhat highway to ensure security during the long march and rally.

Traffic police and Jamaat volunteers worked to keep vehicle movement normal and minimise inconvenience to ordinary commuters.

- MaT