A divisional rally organized by the 11-party alliance was held in Chattogram on Saturday, demanding the implementation of the public mandate expressed through the referendum, control of soaring commodity prices, improvement of law and order, and the establishment of citizens' rights.
The rally took place at the historic Laldighi Maidan, drawing a large number of political activists and supporters from different districts and upazilas of the Chattogram division.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP said no government can remain in power for long by ignoring the will of the people. He claimed that the opinions of nearly 70 percent of the population were being disregarded and stressed that citizens want to see their voting rights and democratic mandate properly reflected.
He alleged that partisan considerations and suppression of dissent had replaced merit and integrity in state affairs. According to him, even discussions in parliament on public concerns such as inflation, corruption, and issues of national interest face obstacles.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and national interests would not be compromised in favor of any individual or foreign power. He pledged to continue movements against extortion and corruption while pursuing the people's rights both inside parliament and through democratic protests on the streets.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam MP criticized the government's proposed budget, saying it had failed to meet public expectations. He noted that rising prices, fuel shortages, and increasing living costs were causing severe hardship for ordinary citizens.
Nahid Islam emphasized the need for good governance in the banking sector and the management of state-owned assets, calling for greater transparency and accountability in public institutions.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman and former minister Col. (Retd.) Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram expressed concern over the country's law-and-order situation, social instability, and public safety.
He urged the government to take more effective measures to prevent the killing of Bangladeshi citizens along the border and to adopt a stronger foreign policy to safeguard national interests.
He also called for the preservation and renovation of the historic Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque in Chattogram.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Allama Mamunul Haque stressed the importance of fulfilling public aspirations and honoring commitments made to the people.
JAGPA Vice-President and Spokesperson Engineer Rasheed Pradhan urged the government to take a firm stance on national interests and border security, while Nezame Islam Party Secretary General Maulana Musa Bin Izhar called for the prompt implementation of the referendum mandate.
AB Party Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad said no political force could survive for long by ignoring public expectations. Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran voiced concern over what he described as increasing corruption, land grabbing, and extortion in the country.
Presiding over the rally, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Chattogram Regional Team Director Muhammad Shahjahan said there was no alternative to implementing the referendum mandate in building a "New Bangladesh" inspired by the spirit of July. He called on the government to coordinate with opposition parties to ensure the rule of law, justice, and fulfillment of public expectations.
Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, LDP, JAGPA, Labour Party, BDP, AB Party, and other alliance partners also addressed the rally.
At the end of the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a united democratic movement aimed at implementing the referendum mandate, controlling inflation, improving law and order, and ensuring the rights of citizens.