Jamaat's long march is irrational: Rashed Khan

Political Assistant to the Prime Minister Rashed Khan on Friday said that although Jamaat's long march is irrational, BNP and the government will extend full cooperation to this long march.

“The present government has entered its seventh month. Its activities over the past six months have been highly appreciated by the public. However, through this long march, Jamaat is systematically conspiring against the government,” he said.

He made these remarks while visiting the site where martyr Abu Sayed was killed in police firing during the 2024 Mass Uprising.

Rashed Khan said that a long march is a 'final programme' of agitation and it should not be launched against such a blossoming government.

The Jamaat Ameer has spoken of a movement to topple the government starting in December, thereby creating an opportunity for the Awami League to return.

Meanwhile, the fascist Sheikh Hasina intends to return to the country in December. Back in 1996, Jamaat and the Awami League had joined forces to take to the streets against the BNP government.

“Public suspicion lingers regarding whether Jamaat and the Awami League are once again plotting a joint movement against the BNP government,” he asked.

Rashed Khan said that Jamaat would not benefit from the Awami League's return. Sheikh Hasina wants Jamaat to engage in reckless street activities that pave the way for her return, allowing the Awami League to capitalise on that opportunity.

Regarding the long march, Rashed Khan stated that there is no need to block roads to press for Jamaat's seven demands; such actions only increase public suffering.

Earlier, blocking the Dhaka-Chittagong highway for an entire day resulted in financial losses. A similar situation is expected in Rangpur. Yet, they claim to be acting in the public interest by blocking roads in this manner.

Even without calling a formal strike, blocking roads for a long march amounts to non-cooperation with the government in running the country and wastes fuel; furthermore, it provokes the Awami League, creating an opportunity for them to take to the streets, he said.

“The Awami League is attempting to destabilise the situation surrounding the Dhaka-Rangpur long march. Police and intelligence agencies remain on high alert.”