Leaders and activists of Ahingsa Gana-Abhyutthan Bangladesh, a civil rights organisation, on Monday demanded the elimination of economic inequality by recovering money lost to corruption and using it for public welfare through interest- and collateral-free investments.
They also called for the withdrawal of what they termed 鈥榝alse and harassing鈥� cases against the organisation鈥檚 members, which were mostly filed over allegations of luring people with loan promises and involvement in sabotage.
The demands were raised during a human chain formed in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, according to a press release issued by the organisation.
Their three-point demands include recognition of the 1.8 crore signatories who supported their campaign and transformation of the July Uprising into a Mass Uprising.
The press release, signed by the organisation鈥檚 representative Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed, stated that Ahingsa Gana-Abhyutthan Bangladesh had been campaigning against corruption since 2021. As part of its efforts, it collected 1.8 crore signatures in support of a proposed law to recover stolen wealth and provide financial relief to the public.
The release alleged that law enforcement agencies obstructed their pre-announced rally at Shahbagh on November 25, 2024. Many attendees, including farmers, workers, and women from rural areas, were reportedly arrested or harassed, with 21 cases filed against over 150 named individuals and around 2,500 unnamed people.
The organisation plans to hold a grand conference in Dhaka this month to further press their demands before the government.