Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his alliance would not announce any further political programme if the government implemented its pre-election commitments and accepted their demands.
“If the government fulfils the demands it promised the people before the election, we will not announce any programme,” he said.
He was speaking at a roadside rally in Palashbari of Gaibandha as part of an 11-party alliance-led long march from Dhaka to Rangpur.
Shafiqur said the government must implement the July Movement Charter and the outcome of the referendum and accept the alliance’s eight-point demands.
“If the eight demands are accepted, there will be no need for a one-point movement. But if they are not implemented, be prepared for a one-point movement,” he said.
Criticising the government’s economic and public utility policies, Shafiqur said it had promised to provide jobs to one crore people but had instead, according to him, “handed the keys to extortion” to one crore people.
He also criticised the rise in fertiliser prices and what he described as severe shortages of electricity and gas.
Referring to a minister’s comment that there was no electricity shortage and that power outages occurred because of “long lines”, the Jamaat chief called the explanation “unrealistic” and “embarrassing”.
The long-march convoy left Dhaka by road for Rangpur and reached Palashbari on Saturday evening, where local leaders and activists welcomed the participants.
Among those who addressed the rally were Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Oli Ahmed, Khelafat Majlis leader Maulana Mamunul Haque, NCP Joint Convener Nasiruddin Patwary, NCP southern region chief organiser and MP Abdullah Hasanat, AB Party President Manzurul Islam Manju, Sramik Federation President Advocate Atiqur Rahman, Jagpa President Shafiul Alam Pradhan, Bangladesh Labour Party President Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Dhaka University Vice-President Sadik Kayem, Jamaat Assistant Secretary Abdul Halim and Barrister Shahriar Kabir.
Local leaders of the alliance were also present at the programme.
