Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a stern warning of initiating "tougher programmes," including a mass 'March to Dhaka' on November 11, if the government fails to meet demands for a pre-election referendum on the recently adopted July National Charter.
The warning was delivered by Jamaat's Deputy Chief Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher at a brief rally held at the Paltan intersection today (Thursday). The rally marked the culmination of a march from Motijheel by Jamaat and eight like-minded parties, who proceeded to submit a five-point memorandum to the Chief Advisor's Office (Jamuna).
The primary demand is for the Chief Advisor to organise a referendum in November to provide legal backing and implement the July National Charter before the national election schedule is finalised.
Taher stated that while the movement would continue via lawful means for now, pressure would be intensified if the demands are ignored, vowing that the July Uprising would not be allowed to fail.
Issuing a stern warning, Taher declared: "Even after submitting the memorandum to the Chief Advisor's Office, if the demands are not met... then our next programme is a 'March to Dhaka' on the 11th." He predicted the day would turn the capital into the "city of the people."
Taher criticized authorities for "time-wasting," labeling further delay as dangerous, and dismissed suggestions that a pre-election referendum would be too expensive.
Taher appealed directly to the government to take up the responsibility of facilitating dialogue by assuming the role of a "referee" for discussions. He noted that Jamaat-e-Islami has already formed a two-member committee for this purpose.
The Deputy Chief also mentioned an unsuccessful attempt to contact BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, stressing that they will personally request the BNP to create an environment conducive to discussion. Jamaat leader Mia Golam Parwar echoed the warning, urging the Chief Advisor to immediately organise the referendum and provide the legal basis for the July Charter, asserting that failure to do so would destroy the respect the Chief Advisor has earned.
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