The 11-party alliance has announced sit-in programmes outside electricity and gas offices in all metropolitan areas and districts across the country on August 6. The decision was disclosed after a top-level alliance meeting on Monday night at the official residence of the opposition leader. The alliance also plans a sit-in at Muktangan in the capital at 11am that day, followed by submission of a memorandum to the Secretariat.

The meeting was chaired by opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Leaders from the National Citizen Party, Liberal Democratic Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party, AB Party, Bangladesh Labour Party, JAGPA and Bangladesh Development Party were among those present.

Participants expressed concern over sharp increases in essential commodity prices, gas shortages, what they described as ghost electricity bills, and deterioration in law and order nationwide. A public rally is scheduled for 10am on August 5 at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Alliance leaders are expected to announce a final programme there, demanding action on these issues and implementation of the July National Charter and the referendum verdict.