The 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami intensifying its street protests alongside its parliamentary efforts to press the government to implement the recent referendum verdict and the "July Charter."
While the alliance is currently carrying out phased, peaceful programs across the country, leaders have warned of moving toward stricter measures including hartals and blockades if their demands are ignored.
The alliance has recently concluded a week-long series of mass marches, seminars, and leaflet distributions in district and divisional cities. Now, the focus shifts to the capital. Jamaat-e-Islami has called for a massive "National Rally" in Dhaka, largely organized in coordination with the families of the martyrs and the "July Warriors." The alliance aims to send a strong message to the ruling government regarding the expectations set during the mass uprising.
Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami and Coordinator of the 11-party alliance, told Dhaka Post that the February 12 national elections were held alongside a referendum on the "July Charter," where 70 percent of voters supported constitutional reforms.
"According to the mandate, elected Members of Parliament were supposed to take a second oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council," Dr. Azad explained. "However, BNP members did not take this second oath, stalling the reform process entirely."
He accused the BNP of breaking the promises of the July Charter upon assuming power, warning that this is creating a political and constitutional crisis. The BNP, however, maintains that it is actively implementing most of the charter's provisions but requires more time for specific issues, citing a note of dissent on certain points.
Alliance leaders initially hoped the BNP government would promptly initiate reforms. However, frustration is growing. Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran stated, "Considering the fragile situation of the country, we are currently avoiding hartals and blockades. But if the BNP fails to change its approach and behaves like previous regimes, public anger will make it difficult for them to govern peacefully."
Echoing this sentiment, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim warned that while current protests are systematic and peaceful, the alliance is prepared to shift from "soft" to "hot" programs if necessary. The next course of action is expected to be finalized in a top-level meeting on April 30.
Weekend Rallies in Dhaka
Jamaat-e-Islami and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis are preparing for major successive rallies in the capital.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis is holding a mass gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan today (Friday). The party’s Amir, Maulana Mamunul Haque, emphasized that the people's primary desire is a new political settlement based on the consensus of the July revolution. "Unfortunately, a kind of joke is being played with the people's verdict. We have called this rally to demand the realization of the election mandate and the July Charter," he said.
On Saturday (April 25), Jamaat-e-Islami will hold its national rally at the same venue starting at 10:00 a.m. Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, will attend as the chief guest. The event is expected to draw thousands, including over 800 families of revolution martyrs and injured protesters. Top leaders of the 11-party alliance will also attend to showcase a united front.
"This movement is not for the interest of any particular group, but to restore the democratic rights of the common people and build a discrimination-free society," said Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar. Simultaneous rallies will also be held in all other metropolitan cities across the country on Saturday.
