Jamaat‑e‑Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman warned the government that the opposition’s eight‑point demand could at any time be merged into a single demand.
He said, “The demands currently stand at eight points, but depending on necessity and circumstances, they could expand to nine or ten. However, in the interest of the nation, they could also be reduced to one point at any time.”
The opposition leader made the remarks at the inaugural rally of the Dhaka to Rangpur long march on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.
He said that if the eight‑point demand became a single demand, the situation could turn very serious. He also urged the government to learn from recent history and accept the people’s demands before facing such a scenario.
Shafiqur further said that ignoring public demands and attempting to halt the opposition movement through pressure or threats would not succeed.
Commenting on reactions following the 5 September long march towards Chattogram organised by the 11‑party alliance, the Jamaat chief said the success of the march had left “many overheated,” with signs of this evident in Dhaka over the past two days.
He called on all concerned not to be disheartened but to heed the people’s demands.
Emphasising that the opposition programme is not a partisan movement for the demands of any single political party, Shafiqur said, “We have taken to the field with the demands of 180 million people. The people are with us, and we will return home only after achieving those demands.”
At the rally, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the Dhaka to Rangpur long march had generated widespread response across the country. He noted that various quarters connected to the government had made different statements regarding the programme but stressed that the opposition’s long march would be held peacefully.
In his welcome address, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said that the programme will remain peaceful.
He said the movement will continue until the demands are met.
