Jamaat, 7 allied parties to hold mass rally on Thursday to press 5-point demands

The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with seven like-minded political parties, has announced a mass rally for Thursday (6 November) to press home their five-point demands, including a referendum to implement the July National Charter before the upcoming national election.

As per the announced programme, the parties will stage the rally at 11am and submit a memorandum to the chief adviser.

Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque made the announcement at a press conference held today (3 November) at the party's central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka.

The parties also warned that they will hold another mass rally in the capital on 11 November if their demands remain unfulfilled.

Speaking at the press conference, Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque said, "Bangladesh is about to hold its 13th parliamentary election. However, the dreams the people had with the July National Charter and the hope of a new political arrangement remain unfulfilled."

He also said that the pressure for the five‑point demand will continue.

Addressing the July National Charter, Mamunul said, "We have been demanding legal recognition of the July National Charter. An order must be issued immediately to implement the charter."

The Khelafat Majlis ameer also emphasised that a separate referendum needs to be held to implement the July National Charter before election. 

"If the RPO is amended, we will not accept it — the RPO must remain as it was. These are now our main demands," he added.

Speaking at the press conference, Jamaat‑e‑Islami Nayeb‑e‑Amir Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, "We had reached a consensus, but suddenly one party is opposing it. We hope they will clarify their party's position."

"If the July National Charter is not implemented, there is no benefit in holding a referendum before or after. Rather, the charter must be implemented through a referendum, because on election day no one will pay attention to a yes‑or‑no vote," he added.

He further said, "I hope the chief adviser will play the role of referee in the discussions among political parties."

The seven allied parties of Jamaat‑e‑Islami are Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis (two factions), Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa) and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP). 

Before the press conference, top leaders from the parties held a meeting at the central office of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, this morning.

Also present at the press conference were Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Charmonai Pir), Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Professor Ashraf Ali Akon, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Mufti Harun Izhar of Nezam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalal Uddin, Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa) spokesperson Rashed Pradhan.

The five‑point demands of the allied parties are: issuing an order to implement the July National Charter and hold a separate referendum on it. Also to not make any further amendments, modifications or changes to the RPO already amended and approved by the advisory council; implementation of the PR system in both houses/upper house of parliament in the upcoming national election; ensuring a level playing field for all to hold a free, fair and acceptable election; ensuring visible justice for all oppression, massacres and corruption committed by the fascist government of AL; and banning the activities of the Jatiya Party, an ally of autocracy, and the 14‑party alliance.