Eight-party alliance announces sit-in program demanding July National Charter and referendum

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

Eight parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon, announced an indefinite sit-in program in front of the Chief Adviser’s residence if demands for the implementation of the July National Charter and a referendum in November, along with five other demands, are not met. The announcement was made at a joint press conference at Al-Falah Hall, Moghbazar, Dhaka, on Wednesday, November 12.

Jamaat-e-Islami Deputy Amir Mujibur Rahman said, “On November 13, we will take to the streets against fascist forces’ sabotage and misdeeds. We urge all patriotic forces to join the streets to protect people’s rights and democracy.”

He added that on November 14, protest rallies would be held nationwide at district and metropolitan levels to demand the implementation of the July National Charter and a referendum before the elections. On November 16 at 11:00 am, a meeting of the top leaders of the eight parties will be held, followed by a press conference at 12:30 pm at Al-Falah Hall.

If the government fails to meet the people’s demands before then, the sit-in will be launched from the Chief Adviser’s residence near Jamuna. Regarding election delays, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, “We want elections by February 12. However, if the July Charter is implemented and a referendum is held in November, we have no objection even if the elections occur in January.”

The press conference was attended by Islami Andolon Secretary General Yunus Ahmad, Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Abdul Basit, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Islami Andolon Presidium member Ashraf Ali Akon, Jagpar co-chair Rashid Pradhan, among others. They stated that if public demands are ignored, they will be forced to adopt peaceful but strict measures.