Govt will be compelled to implement referendum verdict: Jamaat Ameer

RANGPUR, Jul 11 (UNB): Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has urged the government to honour its promises to the people, warning that otherwise it would be compelled to implement the referendum verdict.
"Do not betray the nation. Keep your promises to the people and implement the referendum verdict," he said while addressing an 11-party alliance rally at Rangpur District School Ground on Saturday.
The rally demanded implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, the referendum verdict, an end to border killings and push-ins, and steps to reduce public suffering.
Shafiqur alleged that efforts were being made to divert public attention from the demand to implement the referendum verdict.
"We promised the people that we would continue our movement until the referendum verdict is implemented. We will not move from this position," he said.
He said the country's youth had fought against inequality and corrupt politics to build a new Bangladesh, adding that the referendum was held to bring reforms.
Referring to the Teesta issue, Shafiqur said the ruling party had promised to protect the Teesta before the election but had made no budget allocation for the project.
"We do not want promises. We want action. If this government fails, the 11-party alliance will implement the Teesta project after coming to power with the people's support," he said.
He also accused India of creating tension along the border and criticised the government's silence on the issue.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the government would lose international support if it failed to maintain national unity and keep the commitments made after the mass uprising.
He claimed the mass uprising, the referendum, the reform agenda and the July Charter had created the political environment that brought the BNP to power.
Leaders of the alliance's constituent parties also addressed the rally, which was chaired by Opposition Chief Whip and NCP Convener Nahid Islam.