Long march will continue despite obstacles: Shafiqur
Photo: Screengrab from video.
Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said no obstacle will stop the long march.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 11-Party Alliance’s long march at Shapla Chattar, Dhaka on Saturday morning. Leaders of the 11-Party Alliance attended the event. Following the rally, the alliance launched their long march toward Chattogram.
Shafiqur added, “We have taken to the streets for the people, and we will return home after realizing the rights of the people. Today, we have not taken to the streets for any party, individual, or group. We have taken to the streets on behalf of the 180 million people of Bangladesh.”
He noted, “This movement of ours will continue on the roads and streets. It will continue in the National Parliament. Side by side, this movement will go on until each and every right of the 180 million people is established.”
Shafiqur criticized the government’s stance regarding the implementation of the July Charter and the referendum’s verdict, accusing the administration of bluffing and deceiving the public. He asserted that the government broke the promises it had made and that the public would not forgive them.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam also addressed the inaugural ceremony, promising a peaceful march. He said, “We will observe the long march peacefully. If the government tries to obstruct it, then the six-point demand of this long march will turn into a one-point demand.”
Recalling the events of 5 August 2024, Nahid added, “On that day, all the people of Bangladesh gathered in Dhaka in the ‘Long March to Dhaka’ program, overthrew the autocracy. This time, we have started the long march journey from Dhaka towards Chattogram and other divisions. This is to block the path of those who are going to be new autocrats.”
At the event, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Oli Ahmad said, “Why have we gathered here today? We have said in various meetings, if you do not accept the demands of the people, you will be forced on behalf of the 11-party alliance. That will be done systematically.”
He added, “We have completed our first round, the second round has begun. You are still sitting there, walk on the correct path. Otherwise, you will have to follow the path of how others have fled the country.”
Addressing the party leaders and activists, Oli noted, “I would request everyone who will go with us today, we will conduct the long march in an extremely disciplined manner. Because we are not a terrorist party. Our procession will be peaceful, disciplined. If anyone creates an obstacle on the way to your and our destination, that will be tackled with greater force.”
