11-Party Alliance to Extend Movement Until December
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The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is planning to expand its ongoing movement built around a seven-point demand. According to the previously announced schedule, a grand rally was set to take place in Dhaka on November 14. However, new proposals have emerged from within the coalition to organize long marches in the Rajshahi and Barishal divisions. If these programs are finalized, the concluding grand rally may be pushed back to December or January next year.
The alliance aims to build nationwide momentum through a series of continuous programs—moving from Chattogram to Rangpur, and subsequently to Khulna and Sylhet. Following the long marches in these two additional divisions, discussions have begun regarding extending the demonstrations to new areas. Coalition leaders state that due to the strong public response during the long marches, demands are pouring in from various quarters to expand the scope of the movement. Considering this, Rajshahi and Barishal have been initially selected, though the final decision will be made during a meeting of the top leaders of the 11 parties.
The 11-party alliance launched its series of programs on September 5 with a long march from Dhaka toward Chattogram. Two weeks later, on September 19, the alliance conducted its second long march toward Rangpur. As per the earlier schedule, long marches were slated for October 10 from Dhaka to Khulna and October 24 toward Sylhet, culminating in the final grand rally in Dhaka on November 14. However, if long marches are added in two more divisions, the entire schedule may be revised.
Rashed Prodhan, spokesperson for the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), told Agamir Somoy that an initial proposal to hold long marches in two more divisions was raised during the liaison committee meeting of the 11 parties. Demands for such programs are also coming from the public. Taking this into account, long marches in Rajshahi and Barishal divisions have been proposed, though the top leaders of the coalition will make the final call.
Rashed Prodhan said that if the decision for two additional long marches is approved, the concluding grand rally will likely be deferred. In that case, plans may be made to hold the grand rally in Dhaka in December or January next year.
Meanwhile, the coalition is also deliberating on the mode of transport for the Sylhet long march. They are evaluating whether traveling by train could cause complications, keeping regular passengers' convenience in mind. Alternative routes by road remain open if necessary. If the train route is chosen, the alliance plans to reduce roadside rallies and focus on station-based programs to minimize public inconvenience.
Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the 11-party alliance and Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, said that the long marches have garnered massive public support. Proposals to organize programs in more divisions are coming in, and for now, Rajshahi and Barishal divisions are under primary consideration.
The alliance's movement, however, is not limited solely to divisional long marches or grand rallies. Although they initially took to the streets with a six-point demand, the scope of their demands has expanded over time. During the first long march toward Chattogram, the alliance demanded the implementation of the referendum's verdict, justice for the July massacres, solutions to the crises in electricity, fuel oil, gas, and fertilizer, control over rising commodity prices, improvement of law and order, and an end to narrow partisan politicization. Later, demands to eradicate corruption, extortion, and land grabbing were added. In the Rangpur program, the implementation of the Teesta Barrage Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (Teesta Master Plan) was also included. The alliance plans to prioritize local and regional issues in its upcoming divisional programs as well.
Alongside expanding their street programs, the 11-party alliance is intensifying its opposition to the government's initiatives regarding constitutional amendments. Rejecting the proposal to hold a new referendum after amending the constitution, leaders of the coalition contend that constitutional reform initiatives must be undertaken through the direct implementation of the verdict of the previously held referendum.
Salahuddin Ahmed Home Minister and Chairman of the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment, stated that the constitutional amendment bill will be introduced in the National Parliament during its January session. According to him, since changes have been proposed in the preamble, a referendum will be organized following the passage of the amendment in Parliament and prior to receiving the President's assent. Inviting the opposition to participate in discussions to implement the "July Charter," he stated that constitutional amendments would proceed based on national unity rather than division. He also noted that holding a referendum is a constitutional obligation if fundamental changes are made to the constitution.
However, the opposition alliance does not agree with the government's stance. Nahid Islam, Chief Whip of the Opposition in Parliament and Convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), believes that attempts are being made to shatter the aspirations for genuine reform under the guise of amendments. In his words, the state requires fundamental reform rather than "cosmetic surgery." To this end, he demanded the immediate convening of a meeting of the Constitution Reform Council.
The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance shares the same position. Rashed Prodhan, spokesperson for JAGPA, stated that the verdict given by the people in the referendum must be implemented. A reform council must be formed according to the public mandate, rather than through amendments or a special committee. Consequently, the coalition rejects the proposal to hold a fresh referendum.
Jamaat leaders are also highlighting legal aspects in this debate over constitutional amendment and reform. According to Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir, a member of the party's Central Working Council and a lawyer at the Supreme Court, the basic structure of the constitution cannot be altered through amendments. Citing past precedents where various parts of the 5th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 15th, and 16th amendments were declared unconstitutional or void by court verdicts, he stated that constituent power must be exercised in reforming the constitution to avoid similar legal complications.
Shishir Manir argued that simply approving a change by a two-thirds majority in Parliament does not grant it final constitutional validity. If an amendment conflicts with the basic structure of the constitution, it can be challenged in court in the future.
Thus, while the 11-party alliance prepares to expand street movements through divisional long marches, their differences with the government over constitutional reform and the implementation of the referendum's verdict are becoming increasingly distinct. Observers believe that if the proposals for new programs are finalized, the next phase of the movement could add a new dimension not only to the timeline but also to the broader political discourse.
