Jamaat, Islami Andolan announce 3 days of demos for polls based on July Charter, PR, JaPa ban

The Jamaat-e-Islami has announced separate demonstrations in Dhaka and other districts in the coming days to press home its five demands, including a national election based on the July Charter, implementation of proportional representation in parliament, and a ban on the activities of the Jatiyo Party (JaPa) and other parties in the 14-party alliance.

The party will hold rallies and marches in Dhaka on 18 September and in other divisional cities on 19 September. On 26 September, it will hold similar rallies and marches at the district and upazila levels, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher announced at a press conference today (15 September).

"There is no alternative to mass protests to implement the people's demands," he said at the press conference.

Its five demands are: holding the national election based on the July National Charter; proportional representation in both houses of parliament (including the proposed upper house) from the upcoming election; a level playing field for free and fair polls; and visible progress in the trial of people in the erstwhile fascist regime for oppression, mass killing and corruption.

Meanwhile, Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader Syed Rezaul Karim, also known by his title Charmonai Pir, announced similar programmes on the same dates, to press for the same demands.

Besides the Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, some other Islamic parties are also preparing to stage separate yet simultaneous programmes to push for common demands.

Among them, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, led by Maulana Mamunul Haque, yesterday announced a three-day programme to press home five demands.

Mamunul also declared that marches will be held in Dhaka on 18 September, in divisional cities on 19 September, and across all districts and upazilas on 26 September.

Khelafat Majlis calls for processions

Khelafat Majlis has announced a three-day nationwide programme to press home six demands, including immediate declaration and legal recognition of the July National Charter and holding the national election in February based on that charter.

Party Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader announced the programme today (15 September) at a press conference held at the party's central office in Purana Paltan.

Khelafat Majlis called for a procession in Dhaka on 18 September, in metropolitan cities on 19 September and in districts and upazilas on 26 September.

Proposals for Legal Basis of the Charter

Ahmad Abdul Kader placed two proposals for giving the July National Charter a legal foundation:

Constitutional referendum: Within two months of signing the July Charter, a national referendum should be held to grant it constitutional and legal validity.

Executive implementation: Policy and administrative provisions of the July Charter should be implemented through ordinances or executive orders. Constitutional matters should be enforced immediately through a presidential proclamation, with the condition that the 13th National Parliament ratifies them in its first session without any amendment. Written pledges from all political parties must be secured to ensure this.

Other demands:

In addition to legalizing the July Charter, the party put forward five more demands:

1. Election of members to the upper house of Parliament through the Proportional Representation (PR) system.

2. Visible trial of crimes committed by "Awami fascism and its collaborators."

3. Suspension of political activities and disqualification from elections for all allies of "Awami fascism."

4. Ensuring a level playing field for all parties in the election, including effective measures against illegal arms, muscle power, and black money.

5. Cancellation of the circular for recruitment of music teachers in primary schools and instead ensuring the appointment of religious teachers.