Declaration of Long March 11 party unity

Photo: Collected

News Desk: The 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a long march from Dhaka to Chattogram on 5 September.

The program has been declared in support of an 11-point demand, including resolving the shortages of fuel, gas, and electricity; controlling the rising cost of essential commodities; implementing the verdict of the referendum; eliminating inequality; and ensuring justice for various crimes.

The announcement was made on Thursday (6 August) by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman while addressing an 11-party alliance sit-in program at Muktangan in the capital as the chief guest.

Announcing the Long March, Dr. Rahman said that the march would begin in Dhaka and proceed toward Chattogram on 5 September. He warned that if any obstacles were placed in the way of the program, it would continue to its destination with twice the determination and strength.

The Jamaat chief also announced a series of additional political programs. These include a Dhaka-to-Rangpur Long March on 19 September, a Dhaka-to-Khulna–Jashore–Kushtia Long March on 10 October, a rail journey from Dhaka to Sylhet on 24 October, and a grand public rally in Dhaka on 14 November.

Addressing the gathering, Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the Opposition Chief Whip, warned that the government would not be able to remain in power if gas prices were increased by even one taka.

He alleged that the government was creating an artificial gas crisis in an attempt to justify raising gas prices and had repeatedly failed to fulfill its promises to the people.

Nahid Islam said, “We have come here today to issue a warning. If the price of gas is increased by even one taka, this government will not be able to continue in power. You promised not to increase electricity prices, but you have raised gas prices instead. You also pledged to create employment opportunities and control inflation, yet the prices of essential commodities continue to rise. These tactics will not be accepted, and profiteering will not be allowed in Bangladesh.”

He further alleged that the government had failed to implement the commitments made during the referendum. According to him, promises such as establishing a Constitutional Reform Council based on the people's mandate and implementing the July Charter have yet to be fulfilled.