11-Party Alliance Announces Nationwide Marches Over Public Demands

The 11-party alliance has announced a series of long marches across the country, demanding the implementation of a referendum verdict, reduction of fuel and utility prices, control of commodity prices, and justice for those accused of killings and corruption.Speaking at a sit-in programme at Muktiangan in Dhaka on Thursday, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the movement would continue until the demands of the people were met.He said the alliance’s 11-point demands were not for any political party or group but for protecting the rights of 180 million citizens.“We have taken to the streets for people’s rights. The movement will continue until the demands are fulfilled,” he said.Dr Shafiq also warned that those accused of suppressing opposition voices through killings, enforced disappearances, repression and destruction of businesses would not be allowed to regain influence.Announcing the new programmes, he said the alliance would organise long marches from Dhaka to Chattogram on September 5, Dhaka to Rangpur on September 19, Dhaka to Khulna on October 10, and Dhaka to Sylhet on October 24 by rail. A mass rally will also be held in Dhaka on November 14.The Jamaat chief urged officials at the Secretariat to listen to public demands, saying the Secretariat belonged to the people, not any political party.He also demanded uninterrupted gas supply, electricity, clean water and a reduction in LPG prices, warning that further price hikes would face resistance.National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam criticised the government, alleging failures in ensuring gas, electricity and public services. He also accused ruling party activists of attacking opposition student groups on campuses.Other alliance leaders, including LDP President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed and leaders of several other parties, also addressed the programme.Later, Dr Shafiqur Rahman and other alliance leaders marched towards the Secretariat to submit their demands. Police stopped the procession near the Secretariat gate with barricades, leading protesters to stage a brief sit-in on the road.Dr Shafiqur urged government representatives to come forward and receive the demands. However, after waiting for nearly an hour without any response from the authorities, the leaders returned to Muktiangan and ended the programme.