Eight like-minded parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have backed away from their previously announced “Jamuna Gherao” programme despite vowing to continue their ongoing movement.

Speaking at a joint press conference after a meeting of the eight parties in Moghbazar, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the Chief Adviser’s address had “partially fulfilled” the aspiration for a free and fair election. The five-point demand remains, and the movement will continue, he said, but the coalition will not proceed with a programme as tough as the Jamuna siege.

Porwar said the alliance has supported reforms from the beginning, but “one party” opposed several crucial structural reforms. “That is why the nation is being urged to vote ‘yes’ for reforms,” he added.

He said it is the government’s responsibility to inform citizens — by publishing details on the Election Commission’s website, distributing leaflets and using national media — about what existed before and what reforms are being introduced.

Responding to a question, Porwar claimed that an online campaign for the “No” vote is already being run by a party’s activists. “The nation now knows who is against reforms. The whole nation supports reforms. Those who oppose it will surely be rejected,” he said.

On the coalition’s next course of action, Porwar said their liaison committee will decide the programmes after discussions, as all demands have not been met.

He also dismissed concerns about impacts on the national election. “This movement is what has pushed important reform issues towards a referendum. Our movement will help ensure a free, fair and neutral election,” he said.

Referring to Monday’s scheduled verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal in a case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina over alleged crimes against humanity during the 2024 mass uprising, Porwar said the eight parties will remain on the streets. “We were on the streets during previous anti-fascism programmes, and we will be there tomorrow as well. We will not allow any acts of sabotage,” he added.