Jamaat, allies' submit memorandum on July Charter, referendum at Jamuna, warns stricter movement if demands not met

Eight Islamist political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, submitted a memorandum to the chief adviser demanding the implementation of the July National Charter and a referendum before the upcoming national elections.

Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan received the memorandum on behalf of the chief adviser at his official residence Jamuna today (6 November).

Following the submission, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar told the rally that top representatives from eight political parties had jointly submitted the memorandum to the chief adviser.

"We are sincerely ready to extend all possible cooperation to the government in resolving the ongoing political crisis," he said.

Porwar urged the advisory council to take swift decisions regarding their five-point demand.

Issuing a warning, the senior Jamaat leader said if their demands are not met, "Dhaka will look very different on 11 November." He added, "Before the capital becomes resounding with the footsteps of millions at the grand rally on 11 November, we urge the interim government to accept our five-point demand and show respect to the people's aspiration expressed in July."

Earlier, the protestors brought out a march rally from Purana Paltan intersection around noon, which was halted by police barricades near Matsya Bhaban. 

The parties were marching under a five-point demand that includes holding a referendum before the polls and issuing an order to implement the July Charter.

Despite the obstruction, senior representatives from the eight-party alliance managed to enter Jamuna to meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and discuss their demands.

As part of their pre-announced programme, leaders and activists of Jamaat and other allied parties gathered at Purana Paltan for a brief rally before beginning the march.

Addressing the rally, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, "If you [chief adviser] fail, your hard-earned dignity will be tarnished. You have gained respect by calling on all political parties to sit together; to preserve that honour, you must take the initiative now. We, from Jamaat, have already declared that we are ready."

Eight parties block the road demanding the implementation of the July Charter. The photo was taken from Matsya Bhaban intersection. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

"Several domestic and international quarters are active against the implementation of the July Charter. In protest, Jamaat-e-Islami, along with eight like-minded parties, is submitting a five-point memorandum to the chief adviser today. Among our key demands are the immediate issuance of an order to implement the July Charter and the holding of a referendum before the national election," he added. 

Parwar commended the chief adviser's reform efforts, saying, "You have honoured the people's aspirations by forming six commissions for state reform and consolidating all political parties' proposals through the Consensus Commission. Now, it is your responsibility to implement that consensus. Without delay, issue the July Charter implementation order. It is possible to establish its legal foundation through a referendum in November, ahead of the national election."

Jamaat now wants referendum any day before national election

Regarding the government's call for political dialogue, he said, "We are ready to sit for talks. Like in a game, there are two teams but one referee; you play that referee's role. We are tolerant and open to discussion. We have made sacrifices in the past for national interest, and we are prepared to do so again. But we want every adviser to act impartially."

Earlier yesterday, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad told reporters after a meeting with the chief election commissioner (CEC) in Agargaon, "Our demand is clear: the referendum must be held before the national election and on a separate day."

Their five-point demands include:

1. Issuing an order to implement the July National Charter and holding a referendum within November;

2. Introducing proportional representation (PR) in both houses of parliament in the next national election;

3. Ensuring a level playing field for free, fair, and credible elections;

4. Bringing to justice those responsible for the "oppression, genocide, and corruption" under the previous regime;

5. Banning the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, labelling them as "accomplices of dictatorship."

The eight-party alliance comprises Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP).

Eight parties block the road demanding the implementation of the July Charter. The photo was taken from Matsya Bhaban intersection. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

At the rally, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, "We will not let our achievement from July go in vain. The referendum must be held before the national election."

Addressing the interim government, he warned, "You have started playing tricks regarding the referendum before the election. We understand your ploy. Delaying tactics will only put you in trouble."

He said they are currently pursuing an orderly, systematic movement, but if straightforward methods don't work, they will resort to firmer measures - "no hanky-panky."

On concerns about funding the referendum, Taher said, "The amount of extortion that takes place in Bangladesh in a single day is enough to fund a referendum."

"We have already announced a committee for the talks. You should also form one. I would urge the BNP to join the discussion without delay," he added. 

Following the rally, the protest march led by Jamaat and its seven Islamist allies began moving from Paltan towards Jamuna to submit the memorandum to the chief adviser.