BNP calls opposition protest rally ‘beauty of democracy’

The BNP has described a protest programme by a Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance demanding implementation of a referendum verdict as the "beauty of democracy", saying political parties have the right to take to the streets with their demands.

Senior BNP leaders said opposition parties organising street protests and parliamentary activities to press for their demands is a normal feature of democratic politics, adding that the party has no plans to obstruct the programmes.

The protest comes less than two months after the BNP-led government took office, with the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat set to stage a demonstration and procession in the capital today, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict.

BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said opposition parties are carrying out programmes in support of the July charter and reform proposals both inside and outside parliament.

"They are active in parliament and presenting their views there. At the same time, they are trying to create pressure on the government both inside and outside parliament," he said.

"This is the beauty of democracy. Political parties will carry out their programmes – that is natural. BNP sees no major problem with it."

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said political programmes centred on demands are a routine feature of democratic politics.

"Taking to the streets with demands is part of democratic culture and an essential element of democratic politics," he said. "These rights were taken away during the Awami League government. BNP will not follow that path."

Rizvi also said the BNP has no plans to counter the Jamaat-led alliance's programme.

"If we respond with counter-programmes on the streets, that would mean following the Awami League's approach. BNP will not do that," he said.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance announced the protest rally and procession in the capital demanding implementation of the referendum verdict.

Following a liaison committee meeting in Gulshan on Thursday, Jamaat Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said a protest rally would be held at 5pm today at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

The alliance also warned that it may announce tougher programmes if its demands are not met.

According to Jamaat sources, although the alliance has called the protest to increase pressure on the BNP-led government, it plans to move gradually rather than rush into confrontation.

Leaders say they want to remain active both on the streets and in parliament on issues related to the July charter and constitutional reform.

A meeting of the alliance is scheduled for 7 April, where further programmes may be announced.

Hamidur said the alliance will also carry out public outreach and leaflet distribution campaigns, along with seminars and discussions on the referendum and the July charter.

"If the government ignores public opinion, we will be forced to announce tougher programmes," he said.

Hamidur also accused the ruling party of opposing the referendum and backing away from reform commitments.

Meanwhile, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju said the BNP government is gradually moving away from commitments it made before the election.

"The BNP government is slowly stepping back from its pre-election commitments. On important issues, it is not honouring those commitments," he said. "If there is a mismatch between words and actions, we have to protest."

Manju added that street programmes are important not only to pressure the government but also to build public opinion. "As an opposition alliance, we also have accountability to the people," he said.

The protest also comes amid developments in parliament regarding ordinances issued by the interim government.

A parliamentary special committee has recommended scrapping 20 ordinances issued during the interim administration, including the ordinance related to the referendum. Observers say the move could raise questions about the referendum process and may intensify political tensions over the issue in the coming weeks.