Opposition Alliance Plans Major March, Warns Government on Obstacles
Mia Golam Porwar, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, warned the government on Friday. He said blocking the opposition’s upcoming long march could cost the government public trust. It might also cause a strong reaction from the people. Mr. Porwar leads the committee organizing this 11-party alliance event.
The alliance plans a long march from Dhaka to Chattogram on Saturday. Mr. Porwar spoke at a press conference in Dhaka. He announced the latest preparations for the program. The opposition wants to implement decisions from the referendum.
Mr. Porwar said their movements are lawful and helpful. He stressed that the long march would be peaceful and follow all laws. He also said the opposition is not trying to remove the government. Mr. Porwar asked the government for administrative support. This support would help make the long march successful.
The long march will begin on Saturday. The first rally is planned for Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar. It will take place between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Other rallies will be held in Narayanganj, Cumilla, Feni, and Mirsarai. The final rally will be at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram around 7:00 PM. This timing depends on traffic and other issues.
To reduce public inconvenience, not all leaders will speak at every rally. Local party branches will organize the rallies. Leaders and activists joining the procession will stay in their vehicles. New vehicles can join but must stay at the back. Participants will receive delegate cards, and buses will have stickers. Plans are also in place for security, medical teams, and ambulances.
Mr. Porwar noted past government failures. He said the Constitutional Reform Council should have sworn in within 30 days of Parliament starting. Also, the July Charter was to be implemented within 180 days. The government did not meet these deadlines. He believes the government must tell Parliament its new timeline.
Nasiruddin Patwary, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens Party, also spoke. He said the 11 parties are united. Their joint presence will help prevent any trouble. Mr. Patwary warned the ruling party. He said the ruling party would be responsible for any disorder or attack during the march. He promised a strong response to any such incident.
Mr. Patwary also made other claims. He alleged that State Minister Mir Shahe Alam started a “family business” in Bogura. He compared this to a past situation in Gopalganj. He also claimed that newspapers are not allowed to report on corruption by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed’s son.
Earlier on Friday, a meeting was held to prepare for the long march. Several key leaders were present. These included Hamidur Rahman Azad, Abdul Halim, and Nurul Islam Bulbul.
