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The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with like-minded parties, announced on Sunday a nationwide protest programme to press five demands, including introducing a Proportional Representation (PR) system in the next national elections.
At a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, party leaders said protest marches and rallies will be held in the capital on October 20, in divisional cities on October 25, and in district towns on October 27.
Their demands include issuing an order to implement the July National Charter and holding a referendum by November, introducing a PR system for both houses of parliament, ensuring a level playing field for all parties to achieve free and fair elections, making visible the trials of atrocities, genocide, and corruption allegedly committed by the Awami League government, and banning the activities of the Jatiya Party and 14 parties that were previously in political alliance with the Awami League.
Warning of further action, the leaders said that if the demands are not met by October 27, a larger nationwide movement will be launched.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said that despite the signing of the July Charter, the orders for its implementation and the organisation of a referendum have not yet been issued.
"The charter also does not specify when these actions will take place. That is why Jamaat and like-minded parties continue to mobilise on the ground," he added.
The coalition includes Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party, and Bangladesh Development Party.
Mr Parwar also clarified that while some parties have proposed holding the national election and the referendum on the same day, Jamaat and its allies have opposed the idea, citing logistical complications.
"Holding two votes on the same day would force voters to cast ballots for the national election and a yes-no referendum within a short time, risking incomplete voting and lower turnout," he explained.
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