Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has urged participants of Saturday’s Dhaka-Rangpur long march to remain patient and restrained even if they face attacks, saying the success of the programme is more important than retaliation.
“We have asked our leaders and activists in the long march procession not to fall into any provocation, no matter how much they face. We will make our democratic programme successful by showing the utmost patience and restraint,” he told reporters at Jamaat’s central office in the capital today (18 September).
“Even if we are harmed or struck, the success of the long march is more meaningful than retaliation,” Porwar said.
The 11-party alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, will begin the Dhaka-Rangpur long march tomorrow (19 September) to press a set of demands, including implementation of the referendum verdict, justice for those killed during the 2024 July Uprising, an end to power, oil, gas and fertiliser shortages, measures to contain the rising prices of essentials, action against corruption, extortion and land grabbing, improved law and order, an end to narrow partisan control, and implementation of the Teesta master plan.
Teesta master plan added to demands
Porwar said the Teesta master plan had been added to the alliance’s demands following a meeting of its leaders at the residence of the opposition leader yesterday.
He urged the government to overcome “its hesitation or fear” over implementing the Teesta master plan and take all necessary steps through diplomatic channels.
He said extensive preparations had already been completed by Jamaat’s district and metropolitan units along the route.
Rally to begin from Manik Mia Avenue
An opening rally will be held at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka at 7am tomorrow, before the procession sets off for Rangpur around 8am.
Rallies will be held en route at Bhogra bypass in Gazipur, Nagar Jalpai in Tangail, Hatikumrul in Sirajganj, Biman intersection at Matidali in Bogura and Palashbari in Gaibandha.
The concluding rally will be held at Rangpur Zilla School ground.
“We held a meeting with those in charge last night. Our leaders have told us that we will receive public support and cooperation from the administration,” Porwar said.
He said the alliance had previously staged a long march towards Chattogram with six demands aimed at fulfilling people’s aspirations and strengthening democracy.
Over 1,000 vehicles expected
Porwar said millions of people were expected to welcome the procession along the route and that women would also stand by roadsides to greet the marchers.
He said they had received information that more than 1,000 vehicles would join the programme, with instructions issued and responsibilities assigned for managing them.
He appealed to the government, ruling party, police, civil administration, intelligence agencies, traffic authorities, roadside traders, pedestrians, vehicle drivers and passengers to cooperate with the procession.
He also urged the government not to obstruct what he described as “a disciplined and peaceful long march”. The alliance has said the programme will remain peaceful and democratic.
“Whenever movements have been organised in this country to fulfil the aspirations of democracy, the nation and the people, people have temporarily endured hardships and suffered a great deal of inconvenience,” he said.
Media, public urged to cooperate
Porwar also sought cooperation from media outlets covering the procession, saying the organisers would ensure necessary access for journalists assigned to cover the event.
“We will keep the media vehicles free,” he said.
He said the alliance’s leaders and activists had been instructed to avoid provocation and maintain discipline throughout the programme.
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