Islami Andolan places 16-point demand at grand rally

Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) announced a 16-point demand during a grand rally held at the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday.

The party’s spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, read out the declaration, according to local media reports. 

The declaration calls for the implementation of reform proposals to ensure good governance, eliminate authoritarianism, and fulfil the aspirations of a public uprising expected in July.

Key demands from the 16-point declaration include:

1. Restoration of full faith and trust in Allah as a guiding principle of the Constitution.

2. Proportional representation-based elections in both parliamentary chambers.

3. National unity to implement the "July Charter" and build a state free from exploitation.

4. Fundamental state reforms to prevent future authoritarianism and party dominance.

5. A level playing field for free and fair elections, free from fascist influence.

6. Diplomatic initiatives to bring back fugitive criminals and ensure justice for fallen fascist regimes.

7. Visible action to recover laundered money.

8. Active administrative role in curbing terrorism, extortion, and killings.

9. Disclosure of all agreements with India and annulment of anti-national treaties.

10. Holding local elections before the national election under a non-partisan caretaker government.

11. Disqualifying corrupt individuals, loan defaulters, and criminals from elections.

12. Ensuring a conducive electoral environment before announcing the election schedule.

13. Ending bribery, corruption, and politically motivated lawsuits; withdrawing false cases.

14. Prompt legal action against anti-Islamic and anti-sovereignty activities.

15. Building national unity to resist corruption and extortion.

16. Implementation of Islamic values at all levels of the state.

Leaders at the rally emphasised that the declaration must be implemented to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, uphold citizens’ fundamental rights, and counter conspiracies against Islam and the nation.