Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven other Islamist parties have announced a “Cholo Cholo Dhaka Cholo” programme for 11 November, demanding implementation of the July Charter and a referendum before the upcoming national election.
Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said the programme will turn into a mass gathering in Dhaka. “The ‘Dhaka Cholo’ programme will be held on 11 November. If no steps are taken before then, tougher movement will follow,” he said.
Taher made the remarks at a pre-procession rally on Thursday at Paltan intersection, organised ahead of a march to submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, pressing for a referendum and three key demands.
“The government must hold a referendum before the election – no more delays,” Taher said.
He urged the BNP Secretary General to engage other political parties in dialogue on the issue.
Claiming that extortion was widespread across the country, he said, “A single day’s extortion money would be enough to hold a referendum.”
Following the rally, leaders and activists from the eight parties began marching toward the state guest house Jamuna to deliver the memorandum. From around 9:30am, processions from different parts of Dhaka converged on Paltan, halting traffic in the area.
The eight participating parties are Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party.
The alliance announced the programme on Monday. Its other two demands include issuing an order to implement the July Charter and ensuring a level playing field ahead of the election.
