The 11-party alliance has taken to the streets to protect the rights of 18 crore people, Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Saturday.
“I believe you are all aware of our demands. I swear by Allah, not a single one of these is a partisan demand. These are the demands of 180 million people,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur, also Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, made the remarks at the concluding programme of the Dhaka-Rangpur Long March at Rangpur Zilla School grounds on Saturday night.
The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance organised the long march from Dhaka to Rangpur with an eight-point demand. It was the alliance’s second long march in a fortnight.
Dr Shafiqur alleged that the government had failed to keep the promises it made to the people before the election.
He said the government had earlier urged people to vote “Yes” in a referendum but was now using various excuses to avoid implementing the referendum verdict.
He also alleged that the government had passed a law that contradicts the Quran and Sunnah.
“Before the election, this government pledged that if it formed the government, it would not enact any law contrary to the Quran and Sunnah. Yet, it has already passed a law that clearly contradicts the Quran and the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him),” he said.
“If this law remains in force, the Muslims of Bangladesh will not sit idle. This law will bring disaster to every household and society. This haram (forbidden) law must be withdrawn,” he added.
Dr Shafiqur said their struggle against injustice and “fascism” would continue.
“Our struggle against all malevolent forces, injustice and fascism will continue. We will not rest. We have taken to the streets to secure the rights of 180 million people. We will return only after securing those rights, Insha’Allah,” he said.
He said the alliance’s eight-point demand could be turned into a single-point demand if necessary.
“My colleagues have said that our eight-point demand could, at any time, become a single-point demand if the needs of the nation require it,” he said.
Dr Rahman hoped that a good sense will prevail within the government.
“If not, we will not sit idle. There will be strong protests inside parliament, while the movement will continue on the streets,” he added.
“And through that movement, we will realise the people’s demands, Insha’Allah,” Dr Shafiqur said.
He also said thousands of women had joined the street programmes in support of the movement.
“Today, thousands of our mothers and sisters have also taken to the streets to encourage us and express their solidarity and unity. A movement joined by mothers is destined to succeed, Insha’Allah,” he said.
The long march towards Rangpur was launched from Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka in the morning.
Five street rallies were held at Bhogra bypass in Gazipur, Nagar Jalpai in Tangail, Hatikumrul in Sirajganj, Charmatha in Bogra, and Palashbari in Gaibandha before the concluding gathering at Rangpur Zilla School.
Earlier on September 5, the alliance held its first long march from Dhaka to Chattogram with a six-point demand, including the implementation of the verdict reflected in the February 12 referendum; trial of the July 2024 mass killings; resolution of the electricity, fuel, gas and fertilizer crisis; controlling soaring prices of essential commodities, making an end to corruption, extortion and occupation; and improvement of law and order.