The ultimatum was issued from a rally organised by the new outfit in Dhaka on Saturday ahead of the eleventh parliamentary election expected in December.
The leaders of the group led by Gono Forum chief Kamal Hossain and Jukto Front Chairman and Bikalpadhara Bangladesh President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, have threatened to launch a tough movement to press home their five-point demands from Oct 1.
The four other demands are:
>> Reforms to the EC with the appointment of people acceptable to all parties through discussions and handover of the control of the law enforcers to the EC before the polls.
>> Deployment of the army with magistracy powers for 40 days from a month before the voting day.
>> Withdrawal of cases against politicians and students who took part in protests for reforms to the quota system in government jobs and road safety measures; a halt to the arrests of politicians before the end of the next election.
>> No use of electronic voting machines or EVMs in the election.
Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna extended full support to the demands.
Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah, convener of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports, announced the demands on behalf of the Jatiya Oikya Prokriya.
Junaid Saki, the leader of the Ganasonghati Movement, an ally of the Left Democratic Alliance, former adviser to the army-backed caretaker government Mainul Hosein, and former Awami League MP Sultan Md Mansur Ahmed attended the rally.
The rally came after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina refused to form a non-partisan government.
He called for the continuation of a peaceful programme in all districts, upazilas, unions and wards by forming national unity until the demand was met.
In response to the rally, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said that national unity cannot be forged without the Awami League, the country's largest party.
Speaking at the rally, Badruddoza Chowdhury said, "We want free democracy. We want this government to go. I want to see the political prisoners released.”
Kamal Hossain urged all to forge greater unity for holding the election under the non-partisan government. “It is time to unite. I believe our efforts will be successful.”