Special Correspondent: The 11-party alliance will organise a long march from Dhaka to Khulna and Kushtia on October 31, demanding implementation of the referendum mandate, justice for the July massacre and all other killings, control of rising commodity prices, and an end to corruption, extortion and illegal land grabbing.

The alliance has also warned that it may announce tougher programmes if the government fails to demonstrate a sincere willingness to cooperate with the opposition in addressing public concerns and protecting citizens’ rights.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Allama Mamunul Haque announced the programme while briefing journalists after a meeting of the alliance’s top leaders at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition at 29 Minto Road in the capital on Tuesday morning.

The meeting was chaired by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman.

Mamunul Haque said the long march would begin at 7:00am on October 31 with an opening rally at the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The procession would hold programmes at different locations before concluding in Kushtia.

Expressing optimism about public participation, he said the alliance expected the programme to draw spontaneous support from people across different sections of society, as happened during its previous two long marches.

Mamunul Haque said the long march would highlight demands for resolving shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser; controlling the rising prices of essential commodities; improving law and order; and ending narrow partisan control of state institutions.

The alliance would also demand judicial independence and an effective justice system, he said.

Justice for the July massacre, the Shapla massacre and the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, along with all other killings, would be among the key issues raised during the programme, he added.

Seeking cooperation from law enforcement agencies and the administration to ensure a peaceful event, Mamunul Haque said they had been assured that no obstacles or disruptive activities would be created.

However, he warned that the alliance would resist any attempt to disrupt the long march and ensure its successful completion.

The alliance has concerns about whether the upcoming local government elections will be conducted impartially, Mamunul Haque said.

Alleging that appointments at the secretary level of the Election Commission had been influenced by partisan considerations, he said such moves had raised questions about the commission’s neutrality.

He also expressed concern over the Election Commission’s role in the Thakurgaon by-election.

The commission must act impartially, he said, warning that the alliance would not remain silent if voters’ rights were compromised. It could launch a major programme against the commission if necessary, he added.

Mamunul Haque strongly criticised recent remarks by the Inspector General of Police concerning extrajudicial killings or crossfire.

He described such remarks as deeply concerning, saying that statements of this nature were not expected from an official entrusted with the highest responsibility for maintaining law and order.

He said the comments had left people stunned and raised concerns about the overall law and order situation in the country.

The alliance leader also questioned the composition of the prime minister’s recent state visit delegation, alleging that the suitability of some participants for representing the state was questionable.

He said the arrangements appeared to risk turning an important state visit into what he described as an entertainment-oriented tour, urging the government to act more responsibly.

Regarding the upcoming fourth session of parliament, Mamunul Haque expressed doubt over whether the government would work with the opposition to reach consensus on major national issues.

He said alliance leaders would meet again before the session to determine their next course of action.

Asked whether the long march could face an untoward incident while passing through Gopalganj, Mamunul Haque said the alliance did not anticipate such a situation.

He expressed confidence that the programme could proceed normally if law enforcement agencies remained vigilant.

Claiming that a large number of Islamist and patriotic people in Gopalganj would join the long march, he said they were prepared to respond to any acts of violence or disruption.

He urged the local administration to discharge its responsibilities properly and warned that the government and administration would have to bear responsibility if any unexpected situation arose.

Regarding the selection of venues for the programme, he said the alliance had discussed the facilities and access routes at several locations. A final decision would be made after considering space constraints and access limitations, particularly in the area around the district school.

Responding to a question about allegations of a meeting with an Indian intelligence official, Mamunul Haque said those making the allegations should provide the details.

He rejected suggestions that the 11-party alliance was part of any conspiracy, saying it was working collectively to reform the state, uphold the sacrifices of martyrs, counter hegemonic influence and determine Bangladesh’s future state structure.

He expressed hope that the alliance would expand its reach in the struggle to establish people’s rights and determine the country’s future direction.

The meeting was attended by National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, NCP Senior Joint Convener Nasiruddin Patwary and other senior leaders of the alliance.

Concluding the briefing, Mamunul Haque called on patriotic citizens, media organisations and all concerned parties to extend their cooperation to make the October 31 Dhaka-Khulna-Kushtia long march successful.