Jamaat, allies to stage sit-in near Jamuna from Nov 16

Eight like-minded political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced they will launch an indefinite sit-in from November 16 in front of the chief adviser's residence at Jamuna to press home their five-point charter of demands.

The demands include the issuance of an implementation order for the July National Charter and holding a referendum before the upcoming national elections.

Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Amir, Prof Mujibur Rahman, issued the warning on Wednesday at a joint press briefing of the eight parties held at Al-Falah Auditorium in the capital's Moghbazar area.

He said that a meeting of top leaders of the eight like-minded parties will be held on November 16 at 11:00am, followed by a press conference at the same venue at 12:30pm.

The Jamaat leader added that if the five demands are not met before then, the parties will begin an indefinite sit-in in front of the chief adviser's residence at Jamuna.

He further said that on Thursday (today), the leaders of the eight parties, along with grassroots supporters, will stage nationwide demonstrations to resist "the sabotage and subversive activities of fascist forces."

"Protest marches will be held across districts and major cities on Friday, demanding the issuance of the implementation order of the July National Charter and holding a referendum on it by mid-November, along with the other demands," Mr Rahman added.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com