Politics

Jamaat-led alliance challenges by-election preparations, announces long march

The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance alleges plans to manipulate the 29 October Thakurgaon-1 by-election. It also announced a Dhaka–Khulna–Kushtia long march for 31 October over referendum implementation, public services and living costs. The manipulation allegation remains unproven in the reports reviewed.

Bengal Brief · 24 October 2026 · 1 min read

From 24 October 2026 — Daily Brief

24 OCT 2026 · 13/25

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance alleged on 23 October that preparations were being made to manipulate the Thakurgaon-1 by-election, while announcing a long march from Dhaka towards Khulna and Kushtia on 31 October.

Alliance liaison coordinator AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad made the allegations after a meeting at the opposition leader’s official residence in Dhaka. The constituency is due to vote on 29 October. Azad said support was growing for the alliance’s candidate, Delawar Hossain.

The accusation of planned manipulation is the alliance’s claim. The reports reviewed did not establish that such a plan existed or include a government response to Friday’s allegation.

The announced march will press for implementation of the referendum verdict, justice over the July uprising killings and action on electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser shortages. The alliance also listed high living costs, corruption and law-and-order concerns among its demands.

Organisers said an opening rally would take place at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram mosque at 7am on 31 October, with opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman due to speak. Azad described the programme as peaceful and asked law-enforcement agencies to protect participants and prevent disorder.

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