Jamaat, allies to mobilize on streets

Eight like-minded political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced plans to be present on the streets on Monday as the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, accused of crimes against humanity, is delivered.

Speaking at a joint press conference on Sunday at Al-Falah Hall in Moghbazar, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the 'eight-party alliance' would defy the 'lockdown' called by the ruling Awami League in connection with the verdict.

"We have been active in previous programmes, and this time too, the nation will not allow any sabotage in favour of fascism. The Awami League will not get that chance. The eight-party alliance will be on the ground," Parwar said. He said the coalition had decided to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum and would encourage the public to support the proposed reforms, reports UNB.

"The advisory speech delivered to the nation has partially fulfilled public expectations for free and fair elections. We will continue our programmes to achieve the remaining demands," he said.

Earlier, on Sunday, leaders of the eight-party alliance met at Al-Falah Hall under the chairmanship of Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Senior leaders present included Mufti Syed Md Rezaul Karim (Pir Saheb, Chormonai), Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Maulana Mamunul Haque, Ameer of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis; Principal Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, Ameer of Khilafat Majlis; Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, Senior Naib Ameer of Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party; Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Co-President and Spokesperson of JAGPA; Advocate Anwarul Haque Chan, Chairman of Bangladesh Development Party; and Maulana Yusuf Sadiq Haqqani, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan.

At the meeting, they discussed the country's current situation, the advisory speech, and the next steps in their ongoing movement.

The 'alliance' emphasised that their five-point demands remain central to their agenda and vowed to continue activism until all objectives are achieved.