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The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has suspended its planned long march towards Sylhet, opting to consider alternative programmes to press for the implementation of the referendum verdict and constitutional reforms.
The alliance had initially planned to organise a long march towards Sylhet on November 21.
However, the programme is now uncertain, with the alliance considering a series of meetings with political parties, civil society representatives, professionals and people from different walks of life.
According to reports, the alliance is also considering forming a national committee to oversee the implementation of reforms and organising a large public rally in Dhaka.
Several factors have reportedly influenced the change in plans. November 21 coincides with Armed Forces Day, when senior leaders of the alliance may attend programmes at the cantonment.
Organising a long march by train has also raised logistical concerns, including difficulties in arranging multiple trains and securing government cooperation.
Differences within the alliance have also reportedly contributed to the uncertainty.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has shown reluctance to participate in the long march, while Jamaat’s decision to contest the upcoming local government elections independently has reportedly caused dissatisfaction among some alliance partners.
Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the 11-party alliance and assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami, said no final decision had been taken to cancel the long march.
He also said there was no confirmation that it would take place on November 21.
The alliance previously organised long marches towards Chattogram, Rangpur and Khulna-Kushtia as part of its movement over seven demands, including implementation of the referendum verdict, justice for the July mass uprising killings, control of commodity prices and improvements in law and order.
The alliance is expected to discuss its next course of action at a meeting of its top leaders.
