Jamaat-e-Islami, along with six like-minded Islamic parties, held rallies and marches in Dhaka on Thursday, demanding the implementation of the July Charter and the introduction of the proportional representation (PR) system in the upcoming national elections.
The protests took place in the capital from midday until the evening, with each party holding their respective programmes.
The allied parties included Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Nizam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, and the National Democratic Party.
Besides the implementation of the July Charter and the PR system, other demands of the parties include the creation of a level playing field for peaceful and fair elections, visible justice for the alleged repression, genocide, and corruption of the ousted Awami League government, and the banning of the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance.
Severe consequences if July Charter not implemented: Jamaat
The main gathering of Jamaat-e-Islami was held at 5pm at the southern gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque.
Speaking at the rally, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar warned that the country would face severe consequences if the government fails to implement the July Charter and the PR system.
“The people of this country have not given their lives to participate in an election under the current system. If the old system remains in place, we will see the rise of another fascist regime,” he said.
Golam Parwar criticised the interim government’s deviation from previous promises. “Under special pressure, the government is attempting to deceive the people with false promises.”
He added, “Without deceiving the public, we call for the immediate implementation of reforms and the July Charter and PR system to allow free and fair elections.”
The rally was presided over by Jamaat’s Dhaka Metropolitan South Amir Nurul Islam Bulbul.
Other party leaders, including Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and Rafiqul Islam Khan, also spoke at the gathering. Following the rally, the party organised a protest march.
Islami Andolon demands referendum on PR
Earlier in the day, Islami Andolon Bangladesh held its rally at the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque.
Senior Nayeb-e-Amir of the party, Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, said at the rally that the proportional representation system is the only solution to the ongoing political crisis.
He urged the government to hold a public referendum on the issue if necessary.
“If the people do not want it, we will step back from our demands,” he said.
The party’s Dhaka North President Professor Sheikh Fazle Bari Masud, Dhaka South President Maulana Imtiaz Alam, Assistant Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kayyum, and Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar also spoke at the rally.
After the rally, the party held a march in the Paltan area.
Other parties’ make same demands
In addition, a protest march was held by Mamunul Haque-led Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis after the Asr prayers in front of the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram. The Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis held a protest rally near the National Press Club at 3pm.
Simultaneously, protests were held by Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon and Bangladesh Nizam-e-Islam Party in the same area. Later, at 4:30pm, the National Democratic Party held a rally in front of the water tank at Bijoynagar.
