The Jamaat-e-Islami-led opposition alliance has warned that the government could face public backlash if it obstructs its Dhaka-Chattogram long march demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, the “July Charter”, and solutions to the energy crisis and other issues.
Meanwhile, BNP has urged opposition parties not to threaten street movements but to present alternative plans and suggestions in parliament.
Speaking at a press conference at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar on Friday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, who is also convener of the 11-party alliance’s long march implementation committee, said the programme was a lawful political movement and not aimed at overthrowing the government.
“If the ruling party or the administration creates an unfavourable situation for the long march, the government will lose public confidence and face public anger,” he said.
The alliance’s other demands include ensuring justice for the July killings, improving law and order, controlling prices of essential goods, resolving fertiliser and fuel shortages, and improving people’s living standards.
The long march will begin on Saturday morning with a rally at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka and conclude at Chattogram’s Laldighi Maidan around 7pm, if there are no major disruptions.
Rallies will be held at Kanchpur in Narayanganj, Chittagong Road, Paduar Bazar in Cumilla, Chauddagram, Mohipal in Feni and Mirsharai in Chattogram.
Parwar said leaders would not join every roadside rally to reduce public inconvenience and save time. He added that security, ambulance, cultural, IT and medical teams would follow a coordinated plan during the programme.
Referring to the government’s six months in office, Parwar said the period was not enough to resolve all problems but claimed that the timeline for implementing the referendum verdict had already “left the station”.
He alleged that the government had failed to administer the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council within 30 days of the first parliamentary session and implement the July Charter within 180 days as promised.
“The government should clarify in parliament how much more time it needs,” he said.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said the unity of the 11-party alliance would discourage attempts at sabotage. He warned that the government and BNP would be held responsible if any disorder or attack occurred during the programme.
He also alleged corruption involving several ministers and claimed reports on alleged corruption involving the son of Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed were being prevented from publication.
The 11-party alliance coordinator AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad accused the government of failing to ensure fundamental rights, control prices, improve law and order, and curb corruption.
BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi urged opposition parties not to threaten street movements over the gas and electricity crisis but to present alternative plans in parliament.
Speaking at a discussion in Dhaka, he said, “You will organise long marches and programmes over gas and electricity – that is fine. But tell us what the alternative is. How will we supply gas and electricity? Where will we get them from and how?”
Rizvi said opposition lawmakers have the opportunity to raise issues in parliament, adding that while criticism and street programmes are part of democratic practice, offering solutions to crises is also necessary.
Referring to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as factors behind the energy crisis, he said, “This crisis has not happened because of any action by the government itself.”
