DHAKA, Apr 02 (V7N) — Tensions in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament reached a breaking point on Thursday as opposition lawmakers initiated a walkout, signaling a shift from legislative debate to street-level agitation. The move follows a formal warning issued by the opposition on Wednesday afternoon regarding the government’s perceived failure to address constitutional and economic crises.

Following a high-level meeting in Gulshan chaired by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the 11-party unity alliance announced its first major mobilization. The alliance, coordinated by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, will hold a massive protest rally at the North Gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque this Saturday, April 4.

Key Demands and Allegations

The opposition alliance has outlined a specific set of grievances against the current administration:

  • Constitutional Reform: The alliance demands the immediate implementation of the "July Charter" and constitutional amendments based strictly on recent referendum results.

  • Fascism Allegations: Hamidur Rahman Azad accused the ruling party of abandoning democratic reforms and instead "walking a fascist path" similar to that of the previous Sheikh Hasina administration.

  • Parliamentary Failure: The opposition criticized the government’s handling of adjournment motions and its inability to resolve the crippling national energy and fuel crisis.

Timeline of Escalation

  • Saturday, April 4: Protest rally at Baitul Mukarram (North Gate).

  • Tuesday, April 7: The 11-party unity will convene again to announce a "long-term movement outline" if the government fails to act on the referendum verdict.

"We have no choice but to take to the streets. The government is merely attempting to cover up necessary reforms with superficial amendments while the country suffers under a severe energy crunch." — Hamidur Rahman Azad, Coordinator, 11-Party Unity.

Political Context

The 13th National Parliament, currently in its sixth day of the first session, has been marred by frequent shouting matches and walkouts. The opposition claims the government is using its majority to bypass deep-rooted systemic changes demanded by the public during the 2025 uprising.

With the energy crisis worsening and fuel pumps running dry across the capital, the opposition appears to be leveraging public frustration to fuel its "July Charter" movement. Security forces in Dhaka have been placed on high alert ahead of Saturday's planned gathering.

END/SMA/AJ