The eight political parties began a joint rally at Paltan in the capital on Tuesday afternoon, pressing a five-point demand that includes implementation of the July Charter and holding a national referendum before election.
The rally commenced shortly after 2pm, with central leaders from the participating parties addressing the gathering from a stage set up at the Purana Paltan intersection.
The participating parties are Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khilafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and the Bangladesh Development Party.
Their five-point demand includes, issuance of an order to implement the July Charter, holding a national referendum before the next general election, adoption of a proportional representation (PR) system, trial of those responsible for killings during the July uprising, and banning the Awami League and its allied 14-party coalition.
The eight-party has been staging a coordinated movement for over two months to press these demands. Party leaders had hinted earlier that fresh programmes might be announced from Tuesday’s gathering.
Large numbers of leaders and activists have gathered in and around the Paltan area, creating a charged political atmosphere. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
