Seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, are set to bring out simultaneous rallies and processions in Dhaka today to press for several demands, most notably the holding of the national election in February under a proportional representation (PR) system.
The demonstrations, scheduled between 2:00pm and 5:00pm, are expected to cause severe traffic congestion around the venues, potentially causing major disruptions for commuters.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Before marching in processions, the parties will hold brief rallies at different points around Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and the Jatiya Press Club.
With nearly identical demands, the seven parties have announced a three-day programme: today in Dhaka, tomorrow in divisional cities, and on September 26 in all districts and upazilas.
The participating groups are: Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Majlish, Nizam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, and Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (Jagpa).
Their core demands include, full implementation of the July National Charter, introduction of PR in the polls, ensuring a level playing field for all contenders, visible trials for oppression, mass killings and corruption under the previous government, and banning the activities of Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance.
Jamaat will hold a rally in front of the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque at 4:30pm, followed by a procession through Purana Paltan, the Jatiya Press Club, Matsya Bhaban, and towards Shahbagh.
Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, along with central and Dhaka city leaders, are scheduled to address the gathering.
Islami Andolon Bangladesh will begin its procession after Zuhr prayers from the north gate of the mosque. Ameer Syed Muhammed Rezaul Karim is expected to lead the march.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, led by Maulana Mamunul Haque, will also bring out a procession after Asr prayers at the same location. Secretary General Jalal Uddin Ahmed has called upon supporters to join spontaneously.
Khelafat Majlish will hold a rally at 3:00pm in front of the Jatiya Press Club, with Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader as chief guest. At the same venue, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon will hold its procession, followed by a 4:00pm protest by the Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party.
Jagpa will stage a procession at 4:30pm in front of the Bijoynagar water tank.