Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a massive two-kilometer-long human chain in Satkhira on Wednesday (October 15) to press home its five-point demand. The demonstration, which stretched from Khulna Road intersection to Itagachha Hat intersection, drew several thousand party leaders, activists, and local residents.
The party’s key demands include:
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Establishing a legal foundation for the July Charter,
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Holding elections for both houses of Parliament under the Proportional Representation (PR) system,
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Ensuring a level playing field for free and fair elections,
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Bringing to justice those responsible for oppression, corruption, and mass killings under the “fascist regime,” and
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Banning the activities of the ruling 14-Party Alliance and its ally, the Jatiya Party, labeling them as accomplices of authoritarianism.
Addressing the main gathering, Jamaat’s central Majlis-e-Shura member and district Ameer Ustad Shahidul Islam Mukul said, “These five demands represent the people’s aspirations for freedom. Once implemented, they will establish true democracy and guarantee citizens’ fundamental rights.”
Simultaneous human chains were also held at Khulna Road intersection, Court Road, New Market intersection, and Tufan More.
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The Khulna Road program was presided over by district Jamaat Assistant Secretary Professor Omar Faruk,
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In front of the court, the event was led by Sadar Jamaat Secretary Maulana Habibur Rahman,
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At New Market, Shahidul Islam Mukul delivered his address, and
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At Tufan More, district Secretary Maulana Azizur Rahman attended as chief guest.
Maulana Azizur Rahman said, “Thousands of people have peacefully taken to the streets to raise their voices. If the government refuses to listen to the people’s language, then the people will speak in a language the government understands.”
Professor Omar Faruk added, “Jamaat-e-Islami is a party of the people. Our movement is not for any individual or family but for the nation’s welfare.”
Speakers also argued that those opposing the July Charter were using baseless excuses, claiming a pre-election referendum might cause complications. “In reality,” they said, “the referendum will serve as preparation for the national election — helping people see who truly supports democracy.”
District leaders urged the government to hold the referendum by November and conduct the national election in February based on the July Charter. “Otherwise,” they warned, “the people’s movement will expand further.”
The two-kilometer stretch from Khulna Road to Itagachha turned vibrant with banners, festoons, and slogans during the peaceful demonstration. Organizers described the event as “the beginning of a mass movement against the government’s policy of repression.”