On the afternoon of September 8, 2023, at Comilla Town Hall Maidan, Dr Syed Saifuddin Ahmad Maizbhandari, Chairman of the Liberal Islamic Alliance and BSP (Bangladesh Supreme Party), addressed a public gathering. In his speech as the chief guest, he highlighted the challenges faced by the people, including the dengue outbreak and soaring prices of essential commodities. He criticized the government for failing to control the market and urged for subsidizing rice, dal, flour, oil, onion, and salt to assist the middle-class and low-income groups, estimated to be around 5 crore people.
Syed Saifuddin Ahmad Maizbhandari expressed concern about unscrupulous business practices leading to fluctuating prices and the need to hold dishonest traders accountable through the law. He called for the formation of a task force to address this issue and emphasized that while traders should profit, they must also uphold ethical standards and patriotism.
Furthermore, Maizbhandari asserted that there are forces attempting to compromise the nation’s interests and seize power through foreign influence. He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh will not accept the imposition of an unelected leader through force.
Regarding elections, he advocated for fair and impartial elections with the participation of all political parties and criticized the idea of unelected caretaker governments. He expressed the BSP’s willingness to participate in the next election if the conditions are appropriate.
The Liberal Islamic Alliance Chairman, Dr Shahzada, supported these views and called for vigilance against radical anti-independence groups, urging the disclosure of banned organizations and their activities. He also denounced foreign interference in the country’s judicial system.
Several leaders from the BSP and its allied parties participated in the event, addressing various issues, including justice, judicial independence, and the threat of militant groups. The rally drew thousands of party members and supporters, showcasing their commitment to addressing pressing societal and political concerns in Bangladesh.