Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said the eight-point demands of the 11-party alliance represent the people, not any particular political party or group.

“People have taken to the streets. The movement will succeed,” he said while addressing a roadside rally at Matidali Airport intersection in Bogura on Saturday (September 19) evening.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the rally held as part of the alliance’s Dhaka-Rangpur Long March. The second phase of the programme began at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka earlier in the day.

Dr Shafiqur said the government would not have faced the long march if it had implemented what he described as the people’s verdict in the referendum.

“Why did you not implement the people’s verdict?” he asked.

The eight-point demands include implementation of the referendum verdict, trial of the July massacre, an end to shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser, control of rising prices of essential commodities, and an end to corruption, extortion and land grabbing. The alliance is also demanding improvement in law and order, an end to narrow partisan control and implementation of the Teesta Master Plan.

Dr Shafiqur alleged that the government was placing party cadres and alleged criminals in various positions.

“Our children gave their lives for the right to employment. But the government is exploiting people by placing its people in different positions,” he said.

He also criticised the government over fertiliser shortages and a reported remark by the power minister concerning delays in electricity supply.

“Farmers are not getting fertiliser. That is one of the reasons for our long march,” he said, adding that such remarks by a minister were a matter of shame.

The opposition leader said another long march towards Dhaka would be organised in the future and urged the people of Bogura to prepare for it.
“People are now raising one finger, which means they want one-point (movement),” he said.

Calling for national security, Dr Shafiqur urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to “let Bangladesh live”.

“We will continue to fight and, if necessary, give our lives. The people will emerge victorious, InshaAllah,” he said.

NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said Bogura had long faced discrimination and called for implementation of the referendum verdict. He claimed that nearly 70 percent of voters had voted in favour of it.

LDP Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmed accused the government of land grabbing, extortion and corruption, while Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Ameer Allama Mamunul Haque called for implementation of the referendum verdict and constitutional reforms.

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar alleged that ruling-party loyalists had been appointed to administrative and constitutional positions. He also accused the government of delaying implementation of the Teesta Master Plan due to pressure from India.

The rally drew thousands of people, with many gathering on nearby rooftops to hear the speeches.

After the Bogura rally, the long march proceeded towards Rangpur, with a scheduled stop at Palashbari in Gaibandha before concluding with a rally at Rangpur Zilla School field.