Jamaat, Islami Andolon among groups demanding national polls in February under July Charter via public referendum
Photo: Palash Khan
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Photo: Palash Khan
Seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, formed a human chain in Dhaka today as part of a series of simultaneous protests.
The parties are demanding, among other things, that the next national election be held in February on the legal basis of the July Charter through a public referendum.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. The protest programme began around 11:00am in Matsya Bhaban area of the capital with Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum and Maulana Abdul Halim, along with central leaders from the party’s north and south units in attendance.
Jamaat’s Naib-e-Amir, Syed Abdullah Md Taher, is scheduled to deliver the main address.
Photo: Palash Khan
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Photo: Palash Khan
Jamaat activists were seen standing on the footpaths holding banners in the Matsya Bhaban area. Road traffic in the area remained normal.
As part of the first-day programme of the third phase of the simultaneous movement, the human chain organised by Jamaat’s Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units stretched from Jatrabari Mor to Gabtoli Bus Stand via Matsya Bhaban.
Similar programmes have been announced by Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, National Democratic Party (JAGPA), Khelafat Majlis, Nezam-e-Islam Party, and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon. Leaders and activists of these parties also gathered at various points across the capital at the same time.
The parties have announced that similar demonstrations will be held in other divisional cities.
Meanwhile, central leaders of Islami Andolon took position at Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar from 11:00am. Activists of the Dhaka Metropolitan South unit stood from Daily Bangla Mor to Jatrabari Mor, while those of the North unit took position from Banglamotor to Gabtoli Bus Stand.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis activists gathered at Daily Bangla Mor, Khelafat Majlis activists at Paltan Mor, and Nezam-e-Islam Party and JAGPA activists in front of the Press Club. Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon held its programme at Shahbag Mor.
Although the parties have announced different five-, six-, or seven-point demands, their main demands are similar. These include holding the next parliamentary election in February on the legal basis of the July Charter through a public referendum, introducing a proportional representation (PR) system through the same charter, ensuring a level playing field for all parties, and making visible the prosecution of what they describe as atrocities, mass killings, and corruption under a “fascist government”.
They have also demanded a ban on the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance.
Leaders of the parties said their programmes aim to put pressure on the government and influence public opinion.
However, several other parties, including the BNP, consider these protests an attempt to delay the election.