Jamaat’s long march creating scope for AL’s comeback: Rashed

Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Rashed Khan on Friday alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami’s long march was worsening the country’s fuel crisis by consuming fuel and creating an opportunity for the Awami League to return to the streets.
He made the remarks while talking to journalists after visiting the memorial of Shaheed Abu Sayed at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur.
Referring to the long march, Rashed alleged that the 11-party alliance was aggravating the energy crisis by consuming fuel instead of cooperating with the government. “By remaining rigid, knowingly or unknowingly, they are creating a way for Awami fascism to return,” he said.
Rashed said the referendum and the July Charter were settled issues, noting that discussions had continued for nine months before the charter was signed. “Every party except the NCP, including Jamaat-e-Islami, signed the charter,” he said.
He added that the charter contained a note of dissent and that the parties had signed it despite being aware of the differences. 
“Our Prime Minister has said that the entire July National Charter will be implemented. So, what is the need for the long march?” Rashed asked.
He further said that if the Awami League took advantage of Jamaat’s position and returned to Bangladesh, Jamaat and the NCP would be responsible. Rashed also criticised the programme for disrupting traffic and causing hardship to ordinary people. 
“Ordinary people are suffering as roads are being blocked at different points due to the long march,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the right of political parties to hold programmes and said the government respected differing opinions. “The government will cooperate with Jamaat’s programme. At the same time, the impact of such programmes on ordinary people should be taken into consideration so that they do not suffer,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Rashed visited several wards of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, including the burn unit, and expressed satisfaction with the quality of medical services there.