Islamic Andolan Bangladesh organized a rally and procession in Khulna on Friday demanding national election under proportional representation (PR) system, as outlined in the July Charter.

The event took place at Baitun Nur Square near New Market in Khulna city and was presided over by the party’s Khulna Metropolitan President Mufti Amanullah.

The rally was conducted by city secretary Mufti Imran Hossain.

Addressing the gathering, Mufti Amanullah emphasized that PR system must be implemented in accordance with the July Charter.

"After such a bloody and historic mass uprising, it is disappointing that we now have to take to the streets to demand legal recognition of the July Charter, justice for the martyrs and an end to fascist collaborators," he said.

He further stated that the demand for PR system has long been part of their political struggle and that several surveys show the majority of the country’s people support it.

“We don’t want to take to the streets again over PR. If BNP truly trusts the people, what problem do they have with PR? Let them win 270 seats with 90% of vote. We won’t object. But if they really trust the public, then hold a referendum on PR. If the public doesn’t support it, we will drop our demand,” he added.

Other speakers at the rally included district president Professor Maulana Abdullah Imran, senior city vice-president Sheikh Md. Nasir Uddin, vice-presidents Abu Taher, Hafiz Abdul Latif, Maulana Abu Sayeed, Maulana Din Islam, Md. Imran Hossain Mia, Md. Shafiqul Islam, Maulana Harun Rashid, Maulana Saiful Islam Bhuiyan, Sheikh Mohammad Mohibullah, Md. Tariqul Islam Kabir, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Iskander, Mehedi Hasan Saikat, Abu Dawood Sheikh and Md. Humayun Kabir, among others.

The speakers reiterated their commitment to peaceful protest and democratic reform, while warning that ignoring the public demand for electoral reform could lead to further unrest.