7 political parties to hold rallies today, traffic disruptions expected

Seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, are staging protest rallies across the capital today, Thursday, September 18, demanding the implementation of the July Charter and a range of other political reforms. The demonstrations will begin at noon and continue until evening, with brief gatherings planned near Baitul Mukarram, the National Press Club, and surrounding areas, followed by protest marches.

The protests come as part of a three-day program announced on Monday by Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Nezam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, and the Jatiya Ganotantrik Party(JAGPA). Today’s rallies will take place in Dhaka, while protests are scheduled for divisional cities on Friday and across all districts and upazilas on 26 September.

The groups have outlined five key demands, including full implementation of the July Charter, the introduction of a proportional representation (PR) system in both houses of parliament, a ban on the National Party and the 14-party alliance, justice for the July killings, and equal opportunities for all in elections.

In separate press conferences, party leaders said talks are ongoing with additional political groups, and they expect more parties to join the movement if ideological consensus is reached.

Traffic authorities have warned of severe congestion across the capital due to the protests. Major roads including Gulistan, Secretariat, Motijheel, Shantinagar, Shahbagh, and Kakrail, as well as nearby areas, are expected to experience heavy gridlock. Commuters, particularly patients and hospital visitors, may face significant delays and difficulties.

Adding to the concern, tomorrow’s 47th BCS preliminary examination is expected to be affected by the disruption, potentially causing hardship for candidates.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Traffic Deputy Commissioner Md. Rafiqul Islam urged political parties to avoid programs that inconvenience the public. “Large political gatherings disrupt traffic flow, and alternative routes cannot absorb the volume, leading to city-wide paralysis,” he said. “Despite repeated requests, such programs frequently bring the city to a standstill.”