A roadside rally was held at the Matidali Airport intersection in Bogura as the motorcade of an 11-party alliance—marching from Dhaka to Rangpur to press for nine demands, including the implementation of the referendum verdict—arrived there. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, addressed the rally as the chief guest on Saturday afternoon. Speaking at the rally, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated, “Our demands must be met.” “If the demands are not met, a movement based on a single demand will be launched.”

He further added, “This movement does not belong to any specific party or group; it is a movement to realize the demands of the people.” “It is the demand of the 18 crore people.” Criticizing various government activities, the Jamaat Amir stated that the current government has deceived the public. He noted that despite various promises made to the people prior to the election, none have been fulfilled. Highlighting government pledges regarding job creation and the supply of gas and electricity, he remarked that the public now wants to see these promises implemented.

He further added that the people of the country are grappling with crises involving electricity and gas shortages, soaring commodity prices, corruption, extortion, and the law-and-order situation. These issues must be resolved. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that the movement would not cease until the people’s demands are met. He urged the party activists and the general public participating in the long march to remain united.

Meanwhile, large crowds gathered on both sides of the highway even before the long-march convoy entered Bogura. As the convoy moved towards Matidali Biman Mor, people standing along the roadside waved to welcome the marchers. Activists from the 11-party alliance and people from various walks of life participated in the roadside rallies.

The demands announced for the long march include implementing the public mandate from the referendum, ensuring justice for the ‘July genocide,’ resolving shortages of electricity, fuel, gas, and fertilizer, curbing the rise in prices of essential commodities, improving the law-and-order situation, halting corruption, extortion, and illegal occupation, and ending narrow partisanship across all levels of the administration.

Earlier, at various rallies held during the long march from Dhaka to Rangpur, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman had stated that if their demands were not met, the existing eight-point agenda could evolve into a “one-point” movement at any time.