Leaders of the 11-party alliance on Saturday accused the BNP-led government of undermining democracy, saying there is “no practical difference” between the current administration and the Baksal regime as partisan individuals are allegedly being appointed to key public offices.

The remarks came at a large rally at Chattogram’s historic Laldighi Maidan, marking the conclusion of the alliance’s long march.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman accused the government of violating its election pledges by appointing party loyalists as administrators across state institutions.

Referring to Chittagong City Corporation, he said the mayor’s term had expired but that the incumbent was expected to remain in office.

“Is this democracy, or is it fascism?” he asked.

Shafiqur said the alliance did not intend to overthrow the government, but warned that its current course could eventually lead to its downfall. He also questioned why no visible progress had been made on implementing the referendum verdict six months after the election.

Liberal Democratic Party President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, who chaired the rally, claimed public dissatisfaction with the government had grown unusually quickly.

He alleged that foreign interests, government officials and political actors were working together to sideline the 11-party alliance and facilitate corruption, extortion and loan defaults.

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Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque warned that failure to implement the referendum mandate could trigger widespread public unrest. Referring to the political crisis of 1970, he said ignoring the people’s mandate had contributed to the Liberation War.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to recognise that the government could not resolve the country’s crises alone and called for dialogue with opposition parties.

He also urged the government not to repeat the authoritarian mistakes of previous administrations.