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SIRAJGANJ: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman has warned that the eight-point demands of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance could turn into a single demand if the government fails to implement them.
Addressing the alliance’s third roadside rally at Hatikumrul intersection in Sirajganj on Saturday, he said a long march towards Dhaka would be organised with a one-point demand if the eight-point demands were not implemented.
“Our movement is not for ourselves or any particular group. It is for the 180 million people of Bangladesh. Prepare yourselves. If the eight demands are not implemented, a long march towards Dhaka will be organised with a single demand,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur said the 11-party alliance had taken to the streets to press for the implementation of the people’s demands and that the movement would continue until those demands were met.
The Dhaka-Rangpur long march began from Manik Mia Avenue in the capital in the morning and proceeded towards Rangpur, with roadside rallies planned at several points along the route, including Gazipur, Tangail, Sirajganj, Bogura and Gaibandha.
Before the Hatikumrul rally, leaders, activists and supporters of the alliance began gathering in the area from the morning, carrying banners, festoons and placards. The area became crowded as the procession reached the intersection.
Besides Dr Shafiqur, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam and other leaders of the 11-party alliance addressed the rally.
The alliance has been campaigning on eight demands, including implementation of the referendum verdict, trial of those responsible for the July killings, resolution of shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser, curbing the rise in prices of essential commodities, ending corruption, extortion and land grabbing, improving law and order, ending narrow partisanisation and implementing the Teesta Master Plan.
Dr Shafiqur said the demands represented the interests of the people rather than those of any particular political party or group.
The long-march convoy continued towards Rangpur after the Hatikumrul rally, with large numbers of alliance supporters gathering at different points along the highway.
