Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Mamunul Haque made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Tuesday morning following a meeting of top leaders of the 11-party alliance at the official residence.
The meeting was chaired by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman.
Mamunul said, “We feel that the government is in no way prepared to accept this cooperation from the opposition, nor have we observed any such willingness on its part. Our message is clear: we will adopt a tougher stance, if necessary, to secure the rights of the people.”
He said the government must understand the wishes and aspirations of the people, warning that failure to do so would have adverse consequences.
Mamunul reiterated the alliance’s decision to hold a long march from Dhaka to Kushtia via Khulna on 31 October. The programme will begin with an opening rally at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 7am.
He said the long march would demand implementation of the referendum verdict, formation of a constitution reform council, resolution of shortages of oil, gas, electricity and fertiliser, measures to curb rising prices of essential commodities, an end to politicisation, corruption and extortion, and justice for various killings.
Seeking cooperation from law enforcement agencies and the administration, Mamunul warned that any attempts to obstruct the programme would be resisted to ensure the success of the long march.
Expressing concern over the neutrality of local government elections, he said the alliance was worried about the government’s role in appointing party loyalists to secretary-level positions at the Election Commission.
He also raised concerns about the commission’s role in the upcoming Thakurgaon by-election.
Mamunul said, “We want to see this Election Commission perform the impartial role expected of an independent electoral body. If it fails to do so, we will not remain silent.”
He warned that the roles of the Election Commission and the government could force the alliance to announce major programmes against the commission.
He said the meeting had also discussed local government elections, with alliance leaders expressing concern over whether the polls would be conducted fairly.
Mamunul criticised recent remarks by the Inspector General of Police on the country’s law and order situation.
He said, “The recent remarks made by the Inspector General of Police on Bangladesh’s law and order situation are extremely frightening and alarming. How can the country’s highest-ranking law enforcement official make such statements about extrajudicial crossfire? We are shocked by these remarks and deeply concerned about the country’s law and order situation.”
He also questioned the composition and arrangements of the delegation accompanying the Prime Minister on his recent official state visit.
According to Mamunul, individuals had been included in the delegation whose eligibility for state representation or official protocol was questionable.
Referring to the upcoming fourth session of parliament, he said opposition parties had concerns about the session and would hold further discussions before it began.
The next course of action would be announced following consultations among opposition parties, he added.
Mamunul urged people not to view the 11-party alliance merely as a coalition of opposition parties.
He said the parties remained united in their struggle for state reform, determining the country’s future direction, confronting hegemony and blocking the path to fascism.
He also expressed hope that the alliance would expand further in the future.
