Dhaka: The ruling 14-party Alliance, led by Awami League, will form a human chain from Gabtoli to Jatrabari in Dhaka on Monday in protest against the controversial remarks of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia about the number of 1971 Liberation War martyrs.

The human chain protest is scheduled to be formed at 4:00pm until 5:00pm, which is also meant to protest against Pakistan’s interference in Bangladesh’s internal politics amid growing discontent between the two countries.

Awami League presidium member and 14-party spokesman Mohammad Nasim announced the programme at a press briefing after a meeting of the alliance on 7 February.

Pakistan last year officially questioned the ongoing war crimes trial, especially over the execution of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid and BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury in November.

Bangladesh strongly protested the move and warned Pakistan not to interfere in domestic issues.

On 21 December, Khaleda at a discussion in Dhaka raised questions about the official figure of three million martyrs, triggering uproar in the country.

Khaleda’s remarks also prompted Supreme Court lawyer Momtaz Uddin Ahmed Mehedi to file a sedition case against her.