The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance has demanded that the government convene a session of the Constitution Reform Council, warning that it will take to the streets if the demand is not met.
Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and 11-party alliance spokesperson Hamidur Rahman Azad announced the ultimatum while speaking to journalists on Saturday afternoon after a meeting of the alliance’s liaison committee in the capital’s Maghbazar area.
The spokesperson said that if the session of the Constitution Reform Council is not called even after the completion of 30 days on Sunday, the alliance’s top leadership will consult and finalise a roadmap for street agitations.
“We will take to the streets in a united manner to protect the honour, dignity and voting rights of the people. Sunday could even become the final session for the opposition,” he said.
Hamidur Rahman Azad said that although lawmakers have taken oath in the National Parliament, the session of the Constitution Reform Council has not yet been convened.
“Calling this session is a state responsibility in line with the mandate of 70 percent of the people and the July Charter. If the government fails to do so by tomorrow, we will be compelled to take to the streets with the people,” he said.
He said opposition members in parliament will continue to fulfil their duties properly, but warned that the people’s voting rights will be undermined if constitutional reforms are not fully implemented.
“As a responsible opposition, we cannot tolerate government negligence in this regard,” he said.
Azad also alleged that the government’s reluctance to implement the July Charter has become clear and criticised the BNP, claiming the party “polluted” parliament by allowing the President from the Hasina administration to deliver a speech in the House.
