'Bigger' movement if govt refuses to talk

The Jatiya Oikyafront will announce a “bigger” movement from their grand rally at Suhrawardy Udyan tomorrow if the government refuses to sit with them for a dialogue within the time, one of the alliance's leaders said yesterday.

"The bigger movement won't be a violent one. There will be no arson, no vandalism. It'll be a peaceful programme,” said Mahmudur Rahman Manna, also convener of Nagorik Oikya, while addressing a convention at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.

National Human Rights Movement (NHRM) organised the programme.

Speaking as chief guest, Manna urged the government to find a “solution” to the crisis through discussions before announcing the election schedule. “The solution could be found within 24 hours. Today is the 4th [of November]. There is 5th, 6th, 7th — sit any day, solve the crisis, [and] announce the schedule; all will join the election happily,” he said.

Manna alleged that the dialogue held on November 1 “was not successful” as “no demand was met yet”. “The permission for a mass rally is not your [Hasina's] kindness. You haven't let us hold the rally for days, now say sorry.”

He claimed that there is a demand for a bigger movement across the country, but they still want a solution through dialogues.

“There was an incredible presence of people in Sylhet and Chattogram rallies despite obstacles from the government…

Although people had asked us to announce a movement, we sent a letter for the dialogue as it is our duty to ensure a fair election during this crisis,” Manna said.

Alleging that there had been no fair election in the last five years, Manna said, “Your [Sheikh Hasina's] term is over; now leave. Why are you finding conspiracy in it? We are speaking within the bounds of the constitution; dissolve the parliament — it is right there in the constitution.”

Mahmudul Hasan, chairman of NHRM, presided over the programme.