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Sunday | September 20, 2026 | Dhaka

Opposition warns govt of one-point shift

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:56 AM, 20 September 2026  Updated: 11:39 PM, 19 September 2026
11-party alliance launches Dhaka-Rangpur long march When it turns into a one-point demand, situation will become extremely grave

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance has intensified pressure on the government over governance, law and order and economic concerns, with Opposition Leader and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman warning that its eight-point programme could eventually turn into a single demand if the government does not respond.

Speaking at the opening rally of the alliance’s Dhaka-Rangpur long march at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Saturday, Shafiqur urged the government to “learn from the recent past” and address what he described as the people’s demands before the political situation becomes more serious.

“When it turns into a one-point demand, the situation will become extremely grave,” Shafiqur said.

“Before facing such a situation, learn from the recent past and accept the people’s demands.”

He added: “Today, we have eight demands. Remember, these could become nine demands or even 10. And, if the nation requires it, they could at any time turn into a single demand.”

“If you fail to accept the demands, I am making it clear that no conspiracy will work,” he said.

The warning came as the alliance launched its second long march, with the convoy leaving Manik Mia Avenue for Rangpur after the opening rally. Its first long march was held towards Chattogram earlier this month.

The alliance has described the programmes as an effort to press the government on governance and issues affecting public life.

Referring to the earlier Chattogram programme, Shafiqur said its success had left “many people agitated” and claimed that signs of this had been visible in Dhaka over the previous two days.

“Do not become agitated out of frustration. Instead, try to accept the demands of the people,” he said.

The Jamaat chief said the alliance was not taking to the streets over the interests of any single party.

“We have taken to the streets with the demands of 180 million people,” he said. “We will return home only after securing those demands.”

The alliance’s eight demands include implementation of the 12 February referendum verdict, justice for those responsible for the July 2024 killings, and measures to address shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser.

It is also seeking action to control prices of essential commodities, improve law and order, end partisan influence in the administration, curb corruption and extortion, and implement the Teesta Master Plan.

The demands have expanded since the alliance’s earlier Dhaka-Chattogram march, with the Teesta Master Plan and measures against corruption, extortion and land grabbing added to the programme.

The long march is scheduled to hold rallies in Gazipur, Tangail, Sirajganj, Bogura and Gaibandha before concluding with a rally at Rangpur Zilla School. The alliance has said its programme will remain peaceful.

The latest mobilisation comes amid an ongoing political debate over the implementation of the referendum verdict, governance reforms, public security and the government’s response to economic and service-delivery pressures.