11-party alliance announces nationwide programme over referendum

Bangladesh's 11-party alliance programme has been announced as political groups escalate pressure on the government over the implementation of the referendum verdict and broader governance issues, including the energy crisis.

The alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, unveiled a five-day nationwide programme during a press conference held at Al-Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar, Dhaka, on Tuesday.

Maulana Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, outlined the schedule of activities, stating, “From 9 April, leafleting and public outreach activities will begin, continuing across the country until 13 April. On 11 April, protest programmes will be held in all major cities, followed by district-level protests on 12 April. On 13 April, a national seminar will be held at the Engineering Institute.”

The announcement follows a meeting of top alliance leaders earlier in the day, where they reiterated demands for the implementation of the referendum verdict, the convening of a Constitutional Reform Council session, and solutions to the ongoing energy crisis.

Mamunul Haque criticised the government’s response, accusing it of delaying action on the referendum outcome. “Opposition parties cannot remain silent in the face of such responsibility. We will resist the return of fascism. We will ensure the implementation of the referendum verdict by any means necessary and continue our programme in support of this demand,” he said.

The programme signals increasing political mobilisation as opposition groups seek to push for constitutional and policy reforms, while also linking their demands to public concerns over governance and energy security.

The developments come at a time when Bangladesh is navigating economic and energy challenges, with rising fuel costs and supply pressures influencing the broader political landscape.