Opposition renews call for reform, justice

Leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance have said that many of the demands raised during last year’s mass uprising remain unfulfilled and announced plans for a nationwide campaign throughout July, culminating in a major political gathering around the anniversary of the movement.

Alliance leaders argue that commitments relating to state reform, accountability, justice and a new political settlement have yet to be fully implemented.

As a result, they intend to use the anniversary period not only for commemoration but also to renew political mobilisation around those issues.

According to sources within the alliance, the month-long campaign will include rallies, public meetings, youth gatherings, discussions and memorial events across the country.

The programmes are expected to focus on implementation of the July National Charter, progress on reform initiatives, the referendum outcome and the judicial process related to killings during the July-August events.

An initial programme framework has already been drafted by the alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, with final decisions expected following a meeting of senior leaders from constituent parties later this month.

Alongside joint activities, individual member parties are also preparing separate programmes.

Alliance leaders said the campaign would also address a number of broader political issues, including the activities of the Awami League, its presence on social media, and concerns surrounding reported cross-border “push-ins”.

Several leaders indicated that one of the central demands of the campaign would be the swift conclusion of trials relating to deaths that occurred during the July-August unrest.

Senior alliance figures also confirmed that discussions are underway regarding a large political rally on 5 August, marking the anniversary of the uprising.

The event could be held at either Shahbagh or the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.

Organisers are considering using the gathering to press the government on implementing the referendum results and may seek a clearer timeline for action.

Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest party within the coalition, is expected to take the lead role in coordinating the campaign.

Party leaders said programmes would be organised from the national level down to districts and upazilas, focusing on justice, reforms and implementation of referendum commitments.

Activities are expected to include public outreach, discussion meetings and engagements with families of those killed during the uprising.

Addressing a divisional rally in Khulna on 20 June, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman criticised the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accusing it of failing to fulfil commitments made to the public.

He said Jamaat wished to make clear to the BNP that it was making a political mistake and urged the party to align itself more closely with public expectations and respect the people’s verdict.

Dr. Rahman also called on young people to remain prepared for what he described as a future movement aimed at building a society free from corruption, extortion, exploitation and partisan influence.

Speaking as chief guest at the rally, organised around demands for implementing referendum outcomes, easing public hardship and controlling commodity prices, he said his party would continue pursuing its objectives through democratic means.

He added that Jamaat had accepted the results of the recent election despite reservations, citing the need to avoid political instability and conflict. However, he warned that public pressure could increase if key issues remained unresolved.

“The change we envision is not intended to place any particular party, family or group in power,” he said. “It is about building an independent, sovereign and dignified Bangladesh.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar recently said the government should accelerate implementation of the July National Charter, referendum commitments, reform measures and judicial proceedings related to the killings.

He said the party would use both its own programmes and alliance activities throughout July to press for progress.

Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has also announced plans for a month-long campaign linked to the anniversary period.

NCP Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib said the uprising reflected public demands for rights, dignity and political change, but argued that important questions regarding justice, reform and political restructuring remained unresolved.

NCP Chief Organiser for the northern region, Sarjis Alam, said the party was preparing a series of programmes extending through to 5 August.

He said the campaign would include activities focused on the uprising’s objectives as well as protests concerning the continued political activities of the Awami League.

The party is also considering organising a major rally on either 3 August or 5 August as part of its wider mobilisation efforts.