Road march demands protection of sovereignty

Staff Reporter:

A two-day road march demanding the protection of Bangladesh’s national resources and sovereignty began at 10am Friday from the National Press Club in Dhaka. Organized by the platform Shamrajjobadbirodhi Deshpremik Jonogon (Anti-Imperialist Patriotic People), the march will conclude Saturday with a final rally at the Chittagong Customs House.

The protestors are calling for:
The cancellation of plans to hand over management of Chittagong Port—including the New Mooring Terminal—to foreign entities.

A halt to granting economic corridors through Rakhine that allegedly threaten sovereignty.
An end to Bangladesh’s involvement in imperialist military alliances, citing concerns over Starlink, arms factories, and strategic corridors.

Full disclosure and annulment of agreements made with hegemonic states, including the United States and India, which they claim contradict the country’s national interest.

At a launch rally outside the National Press Club, CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince emphasized the symbolic importance of Chittagong Port as “the heart of our economy,” warning the interim government to withdraw from controversial port leasing plans or face intensified protests.

On the first day, participants held rallies at Sonargaon in Narayanganj and Comilla Town Hall. The second day’s schedule includes rallies at Feni’s Central Shaheed Minar, Mirsharai, and the concluding program in Chittagong.

Prominent intellectuals Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury and Prof Anu Muhammad have expressed support for the march.

Prince stated that if demands are not addressed, broader protest programs will be announced at Saturday’s concluding rally.