The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party coalition has unveiled a fresh plan for holding rallies in seven divisional cities to advocate for the enforcement of the referendum decision on reforms as per the July charter. Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad of Jamaat-e-Islami disclosed this initiative during a press briefing after a liaison committee meeting at the organization’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka.
As per the announcement, the inaugural rally is set to take place in Rajshahi on May 16, followed by events in Chattogram on June 13, Khulna on June 20, Mymensingh on June 27, Rangpur on July 11, Barishal on July 18, and Sylhet on July 25. Azad, who also chairs the committee, mentioned that only one rally is planned for May due to the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with a full-scale series of movements and rallies to resume in June post the Eid festivities. The mobilization efforts will encompass leaders, activists, and citizens from all districts within the respective divisions.
Moreover, the coalition aims to organize dialogue sessions with various professional sectors like educators, lawyers, medical practitioners, and media personnel to garner public backing for the cause. During the briefing, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, the spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), emphasized sustaining the street movements concurrent with divisional rallies to shape a favorable public sentiment towards implementing the referendum outcome. He called for nationwide support, cooperation, and participation in the initiative.
Earlier on April 16, the alliance had declared plans to conduct mass procession events in Dhaka, as well as in divisional and district towns from April 18 to May 2. At that time, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar had disclosed intentions to organize at least 12 rallies in divisional and major urban centers post-May 2, featuring top alliance figures. Additionally, a “national grand rally” in the capital was proposed as a culmination of the divisional programs.
The coalition has already staged protests, rallies, and outreach endeavors advocating for the enforcement of the referendum decision related to the July charter.