Meet seven-point demands or face one-point movement: Shafiqur

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has said that the 11-party alliance may launch a one-point movement if the government fails to meet its seven-point demands.

Speaking at the concluding rally of the alliance’s long march in Kushtia on Saturday night, he said the seven demands were not those of any particular political party but demands aimed at establishing people’s rights.

“If the seven demands are accepted, there will be no need for a one-point demand. But if they are not met, we will be compelled to announce a one-point movement in the interest of the country and the people,” he said.

Shafiqur alleged that the process of forming a reform council had been manipulated to secure more than a two-thirds majority for a particular side. As a result, he said, those in power were now disregarding the people’s mandate.

He warned that history had shown that those who ignored or humiliated the people’s verdict eventually faced serious consequences. He also urged supporters to remain prepared for a possible march from Kushtia to Dhaka if the one-point movement is announced.

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Leaders of the 11-party alliance, including Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque and LDP leader Colonel Oli Ahmed, also addressed the rally. They accused the government of political favoritism, corruption and extortion and called for reforms to ensure good governance and people’s rights.

The long march began from the south gate of Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka at around 8:30am on Saturday. The convoy travelled nearly 425 kilometres through several districts before reaching Kushtia at around 11pm.

The alliance had earlier organised long marches towards Chattogram and Rangpur. It is also planning a long march towards Sylhet on 21 November.