11-Party Alliance Sets Four Long Marches, Dhaka Grand Rally

Online Desk : The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance on Thursday announced a series of four long marches across different divisions and a grand rally in Dhaka to press home a set of demands, including the withdrawal of the recent LPG price hike, uninterrupted supplies of gas and electricity, safe drinking water and implementation of the July Charter.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman announced the programmes while addressing a sit-in organised by the alliance at Muktangan in the capital.

The demonstration was held in protest against what the alliance described as the ongoing fuel and gas crisis, “ghost” electricity bills, deteriorating law and order situation and rising prices of essential commodities.

According to the announced schedule, the first long march will be held from Dhaka to Chattogram on Sept 5, followed by marches to Rangpur on Sept 19, Khulna on Oct 10 and Sylhet on Oct 24. The alliance will conclude the programme with a grand rally in Dhaka on Nov 14.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said every household should have access to electricity, adequate gas must be supplied for cooking and transport, and safe drinking water should be ensured for all citizens.

He also criticised the recent increase in LPG prices, demanding its immediate withdrawal and warning of demonstrations at the offices of the relevant authorities if the decision is not reversed.

“If an artificial gas crisis is created and then used as an excuse to raise prices, it will not be accepted,” he said.

The Jamaat chief said the alliance’s movement would continue until justice is ensured for those responsible for killings, crimes and looting.

“Those responsible for oppression, repression and opening fire on innocent people will not be allowed to return and rule Bangladesh again,” he said.

Referring to the Rangpur programme, he said meetings would be held at different points along the route to hear public concerns and explain the alliance’s demands in preparation for a broader movement.

Explaining why the Sylhet programme would be held by train instead of road, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said ongoing road construction in the region would cause unnecessary hardship if hundreds of vehicles joined the procession.

“Considering public inconvenience, we have chosen the railway route,” he added.