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Shafiqur claimed the BNP had abandoned its earlier stance of bringing those responsible for crimes committed during the “fascist regime” to justice after coming to power.

He alleged that more than 600 people had been killed over the past four months, adding that BNP activists had also been killed in intra-party violence.

“If a party cannot protect or care for its own workers, there is reason to question how committed it will be to 200 million people,” he said.

He also alleged attempts to delay the investigation into the killing of Inquilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and said no charge sheet had yet been filed.

“Whom is this delay meant to please? What truth is being concealed? The people deserve answers,” he said.

Referring to the killing of Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Saifullah Bari in Gaibandha, he said no ideology could be eliminated through violence and urged the BNP not to attempt to “eradicate” Jamaat’s ideology.

Calling the politics of “elimination” a virus, he said Bangladesh needed another revolution against fascism, corruption and partisan control of state institutions and said Jamaat would lead such a movement.

Criticising what he described as growing politicisation under the current government, he alleged that partisan influence had spread across Bangladesh Bank, commercial banks, educational institutions, district administrations, and even the sports sector.

Speaking at the rally, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said it was disappointing that people were still protesting two years after the July uprising to demand justice for disappearances, killings and alleged massacres during the Awami League era.

He criticised the lack of progress at the International Crimes Tribunal, demanded the resignation of the chief prosecutor, and called for banning the AL and speeding up trials.

He also said the government might not complete its five-year term if it does not ensure justice.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque similarly demanded justice for the Al-era atrocities.

He also demanded justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi and urged India to hand over those accused in the case.

Leaders of several parties in the 11-party alliance also spoke at the rally. The programme was chaired by Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the alliance and assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami.