11-Party Alliance Long March: Shafiqul Rahman Warns 8-Point Demands Could Become One
DHAKA, Sept. 19, 2026 — Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and opposition leader Shafiqul Rahman has warned that the eight-point demands of an 11-party opposition alliance could eventually be consolidated into a single demand if the government fails to respond to their calls.
Speaking at the opening rally of the alliance’s Dhaka-Rangpur long march at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Saturday morning, Rahman said the current eight-point agenda could expand to nine or 10 demands, or “at any time” become a single demand in what he described as a response to the needs of the nation.
He warned that such a development could lead to a serious political situation and urged the government to learn from recent events and address the protesters’ demands before the situation escalates.
“If the government fails to meet the demands, no intimidation will work,” Rahman said, according to local media reports. He also said the opposition would continue its movement until the demands were addressed.
Rahman claimed that the alliance was campaigning on issues affecting the wider population rather than on the demands of any single political party. He said the alliance would return home only after securing its demands.
The Jamaat chief also referred to the alliance’s earlier long march toward Chattogram, saying its success had generated concern among some quarters. He urged those involved not to respond with anger and instead called for the demands of the people to be addressed.
Eight demands for the Rangpur march
The Dhaka-Rangpur long march is being held with an eight-point agenda.
The demands include implementation of the referendum verdict, trial of those responsible for the July killings, resolution of shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertilizer, curbing increases in prices of essential commodities, ending corruption, extortion and land grabbing, improving law and order, ending narrow partisan practices and implementing the Teesta master plan.
The Teesta master plan is a particularly significant regional issue for northern Bangladesh and has been added to the demands raised during the alliance’s Rangpur programmed.
More long marches planned
The 11-Party Alliance Long March previously organized a long march toward Chattogram on Sept. 5. According to the alliance’s announced schedule, further long marches are planned toward Khulna on Oct. 31 and Sylhet on Nov. 21.
The alliance says its long marches are intended to take its political demands to people in different regions and to press the government over issues including constitutional reform under the July Charter.
Leaders of the alliance have also indicated that additional programmes in other divisional cities could be considered after the currently announced long marches.
