We will return home only after securing the rights of the country’s 180 million people. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.

We will return home only after securing the rights of the country’s 180 million people. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Mohinul Islam Sujon, Crime Reporter. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “Our struggle against all evil forces, injustice and fascism will continue. We have taken to the streets to secure the rights of the country’s 180 million people. We will return home only after securing those rights, Insha’Allah.” He said, “My colleagues have said that the eight-point demands may turn into a single-point demand at any time in the interest of the nation. Today, there is a voice from across Bengal: We can no longer tolerate this; you have to do something.” He made these remarks as the chief guest at the concluding rally of the Dhaka-Rangpur Long March, held at the Rangpur Zilla School ground on Saturday (September 19) night, demanding implementation of the public verdict of the referendum of the 11-party alliance and the eight-point demands. As part of the same programme, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also addressed various roadside rallies of the Long March from Dhaka towards Rangpur throughout the day. The rally was presided over by Jamaat-e-Islami Naib-e-Ameer A.T.M. Azharul Islam MP. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary and Director of the Rangpur-Dinajpur Region, Maulana Abdul Halim, was also present at the event. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “Before that something happens, we want the government to come to its senses. If it does not, we will not sit idle. There will be strong protests inside Parliament, and simultaneously, the movement will continue on the streets. And through that movement, we will realize the demands of the people, Insha’Allah.” He further said, “These demands are not our party’s demands; these are the demands of 180 million people. Today, thousands of mothers and sisters took to the field and encouraged us. They expressed solidarity and unity. A movement in which mothers have joined will succeed, Insha’Allah.” The Jamaat Ameer said, “The promises we have made to the nation—we must not betray them, we must not deceive the nation, and we must not commit treachery. Lives may be lost, but July will not be abandoned. July will be implemented, Insha’Allah.” He said, “Your aspirations will be fulfilled. Bangladesh will be free from exploitation and corruption, Insha’Allah. Bangladesh will be free from extortion, Insha’Allah. Bangladesh will be free from hegemony, Insha’Allah.” Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s speech included a call to expand the movement further if the eight-point demands are not met. Earlier, at various roadside rallies of the Long March, he had also said that the eight-point demands could turn into a single-point demand at any time. Speaking as a special guest at the rally, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said, “The slogan of this government was ‘Bangladesh First.’ They spoke of putting Bangladesh first. But they are completely failing to ensure Bangladesh’s national interests.” He said, “So why is the Teesta Master Plan not being implemented, and why are they unable to hold diplomatic discussions or negotiations with Delhi? Why are they unable to secure Bangladesh’s national interests in geopolitics? From this, we understand that the BNP has gone to the government not to secure the national interests of the country, but only to secure its own party interests.” Nahid Islam further said that the government needs to play an effective role in matters concerning the national interests of the country, the rights of the people and the implementation of its commitments. In his speech, questions were also raised about the government’s position on the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan and issues related to Bangladesh’s national interests. Other special guests who spoke at the rally included NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossain MP, Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Dr. Colonel Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, Mostafizur Rahman Iran, JAGPA’s Rashed Pradhan, and AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju. Besides, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Naib-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman, Assistant Secretary Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Executive Council Member and Assistant Regional Director of Rangpur-Dinajpur Region Maulana Momtaz Uddin, Central Executive Council Member and Member of Parliament for Rangpur-3 constituency Mahbubur Rahman Belal, Member of Parliament for Rangpur-5 constituency Golam Rabbani, and Rangpur Metropolitan Ameer A.T.M. Azam Khan also spoke. Among others who spoke were Liberal Democratic Party Presidium Member Professor Omar Faruk, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan leader Mufti Fakhrul Islam, Islami Chhatra Shibir Central Secretary Sibgatullah Sibga, Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation Central President Atikur Rahman, Nasir Uddin Patowary, DUCSU VP Sadik, Sarjis Alam, DUCSU GS S.M. Farhad, student leader Rezaul Karim Shakil, former Shibir president Delwar Hossain, Rajshahi University Shibir President student leader Mujahid Faisal, former Shibir president Rajibur Rahman Palash, Barrister Shahriar Kabir, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Rangpur Metropolitan President Maulana Ibrahim Khalil, JAGPA central leader Professor Iqbal Hossain, NCP Rangpur Metropolitan Convener Abdul Malek, Rangpur District Convener Al Mamun, and Bangladesh Labour Party Rangpur Metropolitan President Shamsuddin Rajas, among leaders from various levels. The rally was conducted by Metropolitan Jamaat Assistant Secretary Al Amin Hasan, District Jamaat Secretary Maulana Enamul Haque, and Islami Chhatra Shibir Rangpur Metropolitan President Anisur Rahman. Leaders of the 11-party alliance from various levels in Rangpur were present at the rally.