11-Party Alliance Begins Dhaka-Chattogram Long March

The 11-party alliance on Saturday began its long march from Dhaka to Chattogram after holding an inaugural rally at Shapla Chattar in the capital's Motijheel area.

The opening rally began around 7am, drawing leaders, activists and supporters of the alliance's constituent parties. Shapla Chattar and surrounding areas were crowded with participants who gathered to join the long march.

The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, assistant secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and coordinator of the 11-party alliance, delivered the opening address.

Senior leaders of the alliance also addressed the rally. The long march towards Chattogram formally began following a speech by alliance leader, Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman.

The convoy is scheduled to hold roadside rallies at different points along the route. Supporters and local residents in various areas are also expected to organise receptions and welcome programmes for the participants.

The programme will conclude with a public rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram.

In a press release, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami said leaders of the 11-party alliance alleged that the BNP had promised before the election to implement the public mandate received through a referendum on reforms but had failed to do so after coming to power.

Instead, the alliance leaders alleged that the government had taken positions against the interests of the people.

The alliance also alleged that the country was facing worsening shortages of fuel, gas and electricity, while rising prices of essential commodities were increasing public suffering.

It further alleged that law and order had deteriorated, claiming that extortion, terrorism and corruption had left ordinary people increasingly insecure.

The alliance also accused the government of excessive politicisation and mismanagement of the administration, saying these had weakened the country's administrative system.

According to the press release, opposition members had repeatedly raised public concerns and demanded solutions in parliament. However, the government had failed to adequately address the issues, forcing the opposition to take to the streets despite playing what the alliance described as an active role in parliament.

The long march is being led by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman; National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Dr Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad, Bir Bikram; Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque; Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party Acting Ameer Maulana Abdul Qaiyum Subhani; AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju; Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran; JAGPA Vice-President and Spokesperson Engineer Rashed Pradhan; Bangladesh Development Party Chairman AKM Anwarul Islam Chan; and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon Ameer Abu Jafar Qasemi, among other alliance leaders.