11-party alliance long march: 778 vehicles cross Padma Bridge, pay over Tk7.75 lakh in tolls

A total of 778 vehicles participating in the long march organised by the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance towards Khulna and Kushtia crossed the Padma Bridge and paid around Tk7.75 lakh in tolls today (31 October).

The convoy started its journey from the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka around 8:30am after a rally and crossed the bridge around 10am.

According to Padma Bridge toll plaza data, the convoy included microbuses, cars, jeeps, and other types of vehicles.

The opposition coalition had earlier said that 600-700 vehicles would join the march from Dhaka, with more joining along the way from different districts. The alliance expects the number to exceed 1,500 by the time the convoy reaches Kushtia.

Leaders, activists, and supporters from 19 districts are expected to take part in the programmes. The march is scheduled to conclude in Kushtia after passing through Khulna, Jashore, and Jhenaidah.

Alliance leaders said this was their third phase of long marches. The first was to Chattogram on 5 September, followed by the second to Rangpur on 19 September.

Today’s programme is longer than the previous two, with the convoy expected to cover around 410 kilometres.

According to the alliance’s announced programme, a grand rally is scheduled to be held in Dhaka on 14 November.

Alliance leaders have also indicated the possibility of organising long marches along the Dhaka-Sylhet and Dhaka-Barishal routes.