Leaders and activists of an 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), marched toward the Secretariat on Thursday after a sit-in programme. They cited alleged fuel and gas shortages, ghost electricity bills and price increases, deteriorating law and order, and rising prices of essential goods. Police prevented them from advancing, after which they remained outside the Secretariat for some time. Jamaat ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and NCP convener Nahid Islam addressed the gathering.

Nahid alleged that Tarique Rahman’s government had broken successive promises during its five months in power. He said it had not formed a constitutional reform council in line with the referendum mandate and had not implemented the July Charter. He also alleged that the government had created artificial shortages of gas, electricity and water, which he described as basic public needs.

Speaking earlier at the sit-in, Nahid said the government had completely failed in five months. He alleged it could not provide gas or electricity, control commodity prices, or ensure any employment despite its promise. The 11-party alliance has announced division-based long marches starting on September 5, demanding implementation of the July National Charter and the referendum verdict.