11-party alliance threatens protests over Constitutional Reform Council delay

Jamaat led 11-party political alliance has warned of street protests if the government fails to convene the session of the constitutional reform council promptly.

Hamidur Rahman Azad, assistant secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, made the warning during a briefing on Saturday (March 14) after a liaison committee meeting of the alliance in the capital.

Azad said the coalition would announce protest programs involving the public if the government does not take steps by Sunday.

Representatives from several alliance partners—including National Citizen Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Liberal Democratic Party (Bangladesh), AB Party (Bangladesh), Islami Party Bangladesh and Bangladesh Labour Party—attended the meeting.

Azad said concerns and uncertainty had emerged over the recent national parliamentary election. Although the polls were described as the “best election in history,” he argued that the people’s voting rights were not fully reflected.

He added that a referendum had been held on the same day to form a constitutional reform council and conduct parliamentary elections based on the “July Charter,” where nearly 70 per cent of voters supported reforms. However, while the national parliament has been convened, the session of the constitutional reform council has yet to be called, raising concerns within the alliance.

According to Azad, under the July Charter, the leader of parliament or the prime minister is required to advise the president in writing to convene the session, after which the president would formally call it. “That process has not yet been followed,” he said.

“If the government fails to act swiftly, we will be compelled to launch street protests to protect public expectations and dignity,” he added.

Azad also said there is a proposal to hold a meeting of the alliance’s top leaders on March 28 to outline future protest plans.