Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday warned that Dhaka could take on a "different look" on November 11 if the government fails to meet the party and its allies' five demands, as they plan to hold a grand rally that day.

"Before the capital turns into a sea of people, the government should accept the demands and show respect for the public aspiration reflected in the July charter. Otherwise, the scenes will be different," said Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, addressing a gathering at the Matsya Bhaban intersection.

At another event, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said, "If the ghee doesn't come out with a straight finger, we'll bend it. But we want the ghee anyway. So, take the hint. No trickery. There must be a referendum before the national election."

The five demands of Jamaat and seven like-minded parties are issuance of an order to implement the July charter and holding a referendum within November; introducing the proportional representation system in both houses or the upper house in the next election; ensuring a level playing field; ensuring visible justice for all repressions, killings, and corruption committed by the "fascist" government; and banning the activities of the "dictatorial collaborator" Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance.

Earlier, Jamaat and its allies announced they would submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to press for their demands.

Around 11:00am, the parties took out separate processions and gathered at the Paltan intersection. Later, they marched towards the Jatiya Press Club. When the procession reached the Matsya Bhaban area, police put up barricades.

Afterwards, nine leaders from the eight parties went to the state guesthouse Jamuna to submit the memorandum to the chief adviser.

On their return from Jamuna, Porwar told journalists that Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan received the memorandum on behalf of Yunus. He said the adviser expressed the government's sincerity in resolving the political crisis.

At Paltan, leaders of Jamaat and like-minded parties said the referendum should be held first, even if the national election is delayed due to it.

There, Taher said the nation expects major political parties to sit together not only to discuss the July charter but also to determine how the next election will be held.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh's spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman said they would not accept the referendum and national polls on the same day.