Desk Report:
A rally and protest march have been held in the capital demanding implementation of the referendum verdict under the initiative of 11-party unity. Leaders of various political parties strongly criticized the government’s position in this rally organized at the North Gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque on Saturday (April 04, 2026) afternoon.
In his speech as the president of the rally, ATM Azharul Islam said that although the current government was established through the ‘July Revolution’, they are ignoring the people’s will. He warned that if the referendum verdict is not accepted and the “July Charter” is not implemented quickly, his party will be forced to take to the streets on behalf of the people.
Mamunul Haque spoke at the rally, alleging that although support was sought in the referendum before the election, that verdict is being ignored after the government is formed. He said, “It is not possible to remain in power by going against 70 percent of the people.”
Jatiya Nagorik Party leader Akhtar Hossain said that the constitution must reflect the will of the people. He opined that if the constitutional reform is implemented according to the referendum, dictatorship and partyization will end.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader HM Hamidur Rahman Azad alleged that the government has taken a stand against the people by ignoring the verdict of the referendum held alongside the parliamentary elections. He said, “The July Revolution and referendum were held for constitutional reform.”
In addition, top leaders of the 11-party alliance including Ahmed Abdul Quader, Mokhlesur Rahman Qasemi, Omar Faruk and Rashed Pradhan spoke. They all urged the government to implement the referendum verdict and warned of strict movement otherwise.
After the rally, a protest procession took out from Baitul Mukarram North Gate, which ended at Nightingale intersection in Kakrail area. Thousands of leaders and activists participating in the procession raised various slogans demanding the implementation of the “July Charter”.
