MM Rahmatullah: The 11-party alliance has sought cooperation from the Dhaka district administration to ensure the peaceful and orderly implementation of its planned Dhaka-Khulna-Kushtia long march on October 31.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar made the request in a letter to the Dhaka district commissioner.

A delegation led by Jamaat Central Executive Council Member and Dhaka South City unit Naib-e-Ameer Advocate Dr Helal Uddin delivered the letter to the district commissioner’s office on Wednesday afternoon on behalf of the Jamaat secretary general.

Talking to reporters afterwards, Dr Helal said the long march would be organised around an eight-point set of demands, including implementation of the public verdict in the referendum, trial of those responsible for the July mass killings, resolution of shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser, and curbing the rising prices of essential commodities.

The demands also include improving the law-and-order situation, ending narrow partisan practices, and stopping corruption, extortion and land grabbing, he said.

According to the programme, the long march will begin with an inaugural rally at the southern gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka on October 31 morning.

Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman, along with top leaders of the 11-party alliance, will lead the procession towards Khulna and Kushtia, Dr Helal said.

The procession is scheduled to hold rallies at several points along the route, including Nawadoba in Jazira, Shariatpur; Katakhali intersection in Fakirhat, Bagerhat; Shibbari Mor (Babri Chattar) and Phultala Bus Stand’s Swadhinata Chattar in Khulna; Mujdi Mor in Jashore; and Chuadanga Bus Stand Mor.

National leaders of the alliance will address the roadside rallies at the designated locations, he said.

The long march will conclude with a rally at Kushtia District School ground.

Dr Helal said the Jamaat secretary general had requested the Dhaka district commissioner to ensure a normal law-and-order situation, provide security for participants and extend necessary support from police, traffic authorities and the Roads and Highways Department.

He said the administrative support was essential to ensure that the vehicle convoy, public rally and roadside gatherings were held peacefully, orderly and without disruption.

The Dhaka district commissioner’s office has received the letter, he added.