11-party alliance announces Dhaka-Chattogram long march on September 5

The 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami announced a Dhaka-to-Chattogram long march on September 5, as part of a nationwide campaign demanding relief from soaring living costs and improved public services.

Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr Shafiqur Rahman announced the development on Thursday (August 6) during an 11-party sit-in programme at Muktangon in the capital.

Addressing the rally, Dr Shafiqur warned that any attempt to obstruct the long march would only strengthen the movement.

"If the programme is blocked, we will reach our destination with twice the determination and strength," he said, while urging the government to immediately roll back recent price hikes on essential goods.

The opposition alliance also unveiled a series of regional protest marches as part of its nationwide campaign. According to the schedule, long marches will be held on the Dhaka-Rangpur route on September 19, Dhaka-Khulna on October 10, and Dhaka-Sylhet on October 24.

Speaking at the programme, NCP Convener Nahid Islam accused the government of repeatedly betraying public trust, alleging that it had failed to ensure basic services, including reliable gas and electricity supplies.

He also criticised the Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), accusing its activists of attempting to reclaim control of university residential halls in a manner reminiscent of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League.

The 11-party alliance said the planned demonstrations would continue unless the government addressed public grievances over inflation, utility services and governance.