The 11-party alliance held a divisional rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa grounds on Saturday, 25 July 2026, to press for a five-point demand, including the implementation of the referendum’s mandate and the alleviation of public suffering.
Speaking as a special guest, Nahid Islam, convener of NCP and chief whip of the opposition, congratulated the protesting students and youth in India following the reported resignation of Indian education minister. He described the global awakening of youth as a continuation of July Uprising.
Nahid expressed disappointment with the post-election government, accusing BNP of disregarding mandate of 70 per cent of the population. He warned that if BNP and its leadership, specifically Tarique Rahman, forget the youth movement and sacrifices of 1,400 martyrs, they will have to face the consequences.
Regarding “reform versus amendment” debate, he said consensus commission had previously settled the matter, with BNP initially agreeing to a referendum and reforms.
He criticised the party for now backtracking despite their own “31-point” reform proposal and hit out at “collaborator intellectuals” who are supporting amendments over fundamental reforms for which people gave their lives.
Addressing the economic situation, Nahid highlighted “acute gas crisis” in Dhaka and the rising costs of electricity, fuel, gas cylinders, and vegetables, which he claimed have doubled or tripled in price. He further accused BNP of “politicising” all state institutions.
He demanded reconstitution of Election Commission before any local government elections are held. Announcing an end to cooperation with the government, he said a grand rally in Dhaka would soon be organised to declare a larger programme of action.
The rally was addressed by Shafiqur Rahman, ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and leader of the opposition, as the chief guest. Oli Ahmad, chairman of LDP, presided over the event, while Maulana Mamunul Haque, ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, also spoke as a special guest alongside other top leaders of the 11-party alliance.
