Alliance demands referendum verdict implementation, July killings trial, relief from price hikes and shortages

Special Correspondent: An 11-party political alliance is set to stage a major peaceful long march from Dhaka to Chattogram on Saturday, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, trial of those responsible for the July killings, an end to shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser, and immediate action to contain the rising prices of essential commodities.

The alliance also called for an end to extortion and corruption, improvement of the country`s law and order situation, and an end to what it described as "narrow partisan politics."

The final preparations for the programme were completed at a meeting of the alliance leaders at Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami`s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, on Friday.

The meeting, held at 11am, was chaired by Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, who is also convener of the Long March Implementation Committee.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Parwar urged the government to ensure all necessary administrative support for the programme, stressing that the state has a responsibility to protect the lives and property of citizens.

He said opposition parties had continued to play a "constitutional, constructive and responsible" role inside and outside Parliament following the 13th parliamentary election.

"We request the government to extend all administrative cooperation to make the largest peaceful political programme of the opposition successful," Parwar said.

Parwar warned that any attempt by a government party or its supporters to create an adverse situation during the long march could further erode public confidence in the government.

"If any party or anyone creates an adverse situation during the long march, they will lose public confidence and face public anger," he said, expressing hope that neither the government nor anyone associated with the ruling party would take such a step.

The alliance leader also said the organisers were not seeking to oust the government.

According to Parwar, the main demand is for the government to accept and implement the people`s verdict in the referendum and the alliance`s six-point demands.

He alleged that six months after the formation of the government, no effective initiative had been taken to implement the referendum verdict.

He further claimed that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party`s "note of dissent" had been rejected in the referendum.

The organisers said approximately 1,500 vehicles are expected to join the long march.

The programme will begin with an opening rally at 7am at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka, followed by roadside rallies at several points along the Dhaka–Chattogram highway.

The planned stops are:

Kachpur Truck Stand area, Narayanganj

Padua Bazar Bishwaroad, Cumilla

Mohipal, Feni

Mirsarai

Lal Dighi Maidan, Chattogram, where the final public rally will be held

The organisers said thousands of people were expected to gather on both sides of the road to greet the procession.

The alliance has imposed several rules to maintain order during the journey.

Delegates travelling with the main convoy will not get down from their vehicles to attend the roadside rallies. Those rallies will instead be organised by local units of the alliance.

Vehicles participating in the procession will carry identification stickers. A vehicle will not be allowed to enter the moving convoy from the middle of the procession. Those wishing to join will have to enter at the rear.

Media vehicles will also be permitted to travel with the convoy to facilitate news coverage.

Parwar said the organisers were not anticipating any acts of sabotage and maintained that there should be no reason for loss of life or property if the programme remained peaceful and disciplined.

The alliance has already informed the Inspector General of Police in writing about the programme, he said.

The leaders urged citizens and their supporters to join the march with patience, courage and discipline, stressing that maintaining peace throughout the programme would be essential to its success.

The Dhaka–Chattogram long march is expected to become a significant test of the alliance`s organisational strength and its ability to mobilise supporters across the country`s busiest transport corridor while keeping the programme peaceful.