Dhaka: The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance announced a series of long marches across four divisions and a ‘grand rally’ in Dhaka to demand significant economic reforms, including the reversal of increased LPG prices and improvements in essential services.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman unveiled the protest plans during a sit-in organized by the alliance at Muktangan in the capital. The sit-in targeted issues such as the ongoing fuel and gas crisis, inflated electricity bills, worsening law and order, and the rising cost of essential commodities.
The announced protest schedule begins with a long march from Dhaka to Chattogram on September 5, followed by subsequent marches from Dhaka to Rangpur on September 19, Dhaka to Khulna on October 10, and Dhaka to Sylhet on October 24. The initiative will culminate in a grand rally scheduled for November 14 in Dhaka.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized the severe shortages of gas and electricity, urging that every household must receive uninterrupted electricity, cooking gas must be ensured, adequate gas should be supplied for transport, and safe drinking water made available to the public.
He strongly criticized the recent LPG price hike and demanded its immediate withdrawal, warning that government offices responsible for the decision would face protests if the increase is not reversed. Dr. Rahman remarked, “If an artificial gas crisis is created and then used as a pretext to increase prices, it will not be accepted.”
The Jamaat chief stated that their movement would persist until justice is served for those involved in killings, crimes, and looting. He further declared, “Those responsible for oppression, repression, and opening fire on innocent people will not be allowed to return and rule Bangladesh again.”
Regarding the Rangpur programme, Dr. Rahman outlined plans for meetings along the route to address public concerns and present the alliance’s demands, aiming to galvanize support for a larger movement. He also explained that the Sylhet programme would be conducted by rail due to ongoing road construction in the region, which could cause public inconvenience if the march proceeded by road.