Seven-Party Protest in Dhaka Demands Implementation of July Charter and PR System in Elections

PNN News Desk | Dhaka:

On Thursday, seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, held simultaneous protests in Dhaka. They organized rallies and processions demanding the holding of national elections based on the legal framework of the July Charter and the introduction of proportional representation (PR) in both houses of parliament.

The demonstrations were held separately at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, the National Press Club, and Bijoynagar, with participation from the following seven parties: Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis, Nezam-e-Islam Party, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA), and Khilafat Andolan.

Speakers at the rallies warned that if the July Charter is not implemented, upcoming elections would become meaningless and voting within the current system would lead to the repetition of fascist rule. They also demanded structural reforms before the next elections, punishment for fascism, banning of 14-party activities including JAPA, and the appointment of religious teachers instead of music teachers in primary schools.

Both Jamaat and Islami Andolan called for a public referendum on the PR system, arguing that if the people support it, the government would be compelled to adopt it, and if not, they would withdraw the demand.

The day-long protests caused severe traffic congestion around Baitul Mukarram, Press Club Road, and surrounding areas.

According to the announced schedule, similar protest rallies will be held on Friday in all major cities of the country, and on 26 September at the district and upazila levels demanding the same issues.