Eight-Party Rally in Paltan Demands Five-Point Charter

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

A grand rally called by eight like-minded political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has begun in Paltan, Dhaka, demanding a five-point charter. The rally officially commenced a little after 2:00 pm on Tuesday (11 November).

Party leaders and activists started gathering in and around Paltan from the morning. By noon, traffic on roads leading to Paltan Mor, Bijoynagar, Dainik Bangla Mor, and Press Club was blocked, causing severe congestion in surrounding areas.

The rally is being chaired by Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB). Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, and other senior leaders of the eight-party alliance are scheduled to address the gathering.

The five-point demands of the parties include: issuance of constitutional orders for the July National Charter, holding a referendum by mid-November, ensuring equal opportunity in elections, reinstating a neutral caretaker government, and stopping repressive measures against political parties.

The eight political parties participating in the rally are: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis, Nezam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan, Bangladesh Development Party (BDP), and National Democratic Party (JAGPA).

Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary-General Hamidur Rahman Azad officially inaugurated the rally. He stated, “From today’s rally, we will send a clear message to the interim government demanding reforms and a fair electoral framework.”

A large number of police officers have been deployed to ensure security in and around the rally venue. Traffic police have instructed vehicles to use alternative routes to ease congestion. Local sources reported that while tensions were present in Paltan after noon, the rally has so far proceeded peacefully.