Opposition leader warns eight demands could turn into ‘one-point’ movement

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday warned that the 11-party opposition alliance’s eight demands could turn into a “one-point” movement if the government fails to address them.

“When it turns into a one-point demand, the situation will become extremely grave,” Shafiqur said at the opening rally of the alliance’s Dhaka-Rangpur long march on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. 

He urged the government to “learn from the recent past” and accept what he described as the people’s demands before the political situation escalates.

“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,” he said.

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

The warning came as the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance launched its second long march, with a convoy leaving Manik Mia Avenue for Rangpur shortly after 8am. The alliance held its first long march towards Chattogram earlier this month. 

Shafiqur claimed the success of that programme had left “many people agitated,” signs of which he said had been visible in Dhaka over the past 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 demonstrating over the demands of any individual 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 Feb. 12 referendum verdict, justice for the July 2024 killings, measures to address shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser, curbing prices of essentials, improving law and order, ending partisan control of the administration, tackling corruption and extortion, and implementing the Teesta Master Plan. 

The long march is scheduled to hold rallies in Gazipur, Tangail, Sirajganj, Bogura and Gaibandha before ending with a rally at Rangpur Zilla School.