Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven like-minded Islamist parties are preparing for a major political showdown in Dhaka on 11 November, pressing for the implementation of the July Charter and a referendum before the next parliamentary elections.
The alliance, which includes several Islamist and conservative parties, says it will announce tougher nationwide action if the government fails to accept its five-point demand. Leaders of the bloc are portraying the Dhaka rally as a test of strength that could shape the direction of opposition politics in the coming weeks.
Mobilisation in full swing
Preparations are in full swing to mobilise supporters from Dhaka and nearby districts, particularly Narayanganj, Gazipur and Manikganj. Party organisers say they are focusing on these areas to ensure a large turnout without bringing in activists from distant districts.
Among the parties involved in the planned joint rally are Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa) and Bangladesh Development Party.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair told TIMES of Bangladesh that the coalition would finalise its plans at a meeting on Sunday. “Every party is working to make the grand rally a success,” he said. “We expect a massive spontaneous turnout to show our collective strength.”
Pressure tactics and internal debate
Discussions within the alliance are ongoing about the nature of the next phase of protests. Options under consideration include road blockades, surrounding district administrative offices and staging a siege of the Secretariat and the Chief Adviser’s Office. A 48- or 72-hour ultimatum to the government is also being discussed.
However, sources within the coalition say there are internal differences over how confrontational the movement should become. Some leaders argue that programs causing public suffering, such as nationwide blockades, could alienate ordinary citizens ahead of the election. Others emphasize adopting strategies that increase pressure on the government.
Divided opposition
The initiative comes as the broader opposition remains divided over the timing of the proposed referendum under the July Charter. BNP wants both the referendum and the parliamentary elections to be held on the same day, while Jamaat and its allies insist that the referendum must precede the polls.
On 3 November, the government gave all political parties one week to reach a consensus on implementing the charter, which aims to lay the groundwork for political reforms and electoral fairness.
Despite calls from Jamaat to sit for dialogue, BNP has so far remained non-committal. Jamaat leaders say they are open to talks with any party willing to engage on the issue of political reforms.
Signs of tension
JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan told TIMES that if the government ignored their demands, “a tough program will be announced from the November 11 rally. Dhaka will turn into a sea of people.”
Party insiders say the coalition’s five-point demand includes the immediate announcement of a referendum schedule, full implementation of the July Charter, and assurances of equal political space ahead of the elections.
Speculation is growing that the government could issue a decision within days on whether to hold the referendum before the election — a move that could either ease political tension or trigger fresh confrontation.
For now, all eyes are on the November 11 rally, which may signal whether Bangladesh’s Islamist-leaning bloc can re-emerge as a decisive force in shaping the country’s pre-election landscape.
