Walking on foot at the head of thousands of supporters, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday turned National Revolution and Solidarity Day into a show of strength and a warning, vowing that the people would again give a “crushing response” to any conspiracy against Bangladesh’s democracy and sovereignty.
He warned that a group was once again conspiring to undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty and revive the culture of “dummy elections”, but said the people would give them a strong response, as they had done in 1971, 1975 and 1990.
Tarique made the remarks at a brief rally in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day. He later led a colorful procession from Naya Paltan to Manik Mia Avenue, walking alongside party leaders and activists.
“Just as in the past, they are still engaged in conspiracies. Once again, they want to undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty. They want to bring back the system of ‘dummy elections’,” the prime minister said.
“Just as we did in 1971, in 1990 and on November 7, 1975, we want to give them a crushing response once again. Let today’s November 7 procession be the day we fulfil that expectation. Let this procession be a day to protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty,” he added.
Echoes of 1975 and 2024
Referring to the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, Tarique said the students and people had not only restored the country’s independence and sovereignty but had also driven the autocratic forces and conspirators out of power.
“Just as those forces were defeated on November 7, 1975, they were defeated again on August 5, 2024, through a movement involving the people,” he said.
The prime minister said a nation capable of achieving independence in 1971, staging the Sepoy-People’s Revolution in 1975 and bringing about the mass uprising in 2024 could never be subdued through conspiracies.
Call for unity to protect democracy
Tarique urged people to come forward to safeguard the democracy that, he said, had been established through the sacrifices of people during the mass uprising of August 5, 2024.
“Let us bring together all democracy-loving people of Bangladesh. Whether a conspiracy originates inside the country or outside it, we will collectively respond to all such attempts,” he said.
He added that no conspiracy could suppress the people who believe in democracy.
Addressing the thousands of party leaders and activists gathered in Naya Paltan, he asked: “Are you with us?” The crowd responded with applause and slogans.
Highlighting the significance of November 7, the prime minister said the day represented national unity, the protection of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and the freedom of expression of its people.
He also reiterated the slogan: “Not Delhi, not Pindi, nor any other country. Bangladesh comes first, Bangladesh for all.”
“Let us begin our revolution today,” he said.
On foot through the capital
After delivering his speech, Tarique joined the procession at around 3:30pm, leading thousands of party leaders and activists on foot.
The procession started in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan and passed through Kakrail intersection, the road beside the chief justice’s residence, the Ramna Park area, Hotel InterContinental intersection, Bangla Motor, Farmgate and Indira Road before reaching Manik Mia Avenue at around 4:30pm.
The prime minister walked the entire six-kilometer route alongside party leaders and activists. He wore a white half-sleeved shirt, grey trousers and navy-blue sneakers.
Thousands of people stood on both sides of the streets to catch a glimpse of him, while many others gathered on rooftops and balconies of nearby buildings. Tarique responded to their greetings with smiles and waves.
Leaders of the Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal were at the front of the procession, followed by senior BNP leaders, cabinet members and activists of the party’s associate organizations.
Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Rumon described Tarique’s continuous six-kilometer walk as an unprecedented event in Bangladesh’s political history. He said the procession would inspire people in the journey towards rebuilding democracy.
Rumon also recalled that BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman had walked long distances while participating in canal excavation programs. He said Tarique maintained the same pace throughout the procession and encouraged other leaders to keep walking.
Sea of flags and portraits
BNP leaders and activists from different parts of Dhaka and surrounding districts began gathering in Naya Paltan in small processions from around 12 noon on Saturday. As the day progressed, the area became increasingly crowded, with thousands of party leaders, activists and supporters gathered along the stretch from Kakrail intersection to Fakirerpool.
Many participants carried the national flag and placards featuring portraits of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The colorful procession featured participants wearing caps and T-shirts of different colors, along with banners and festoons. The streets echoed with various slogans.
BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed and Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, along with Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and other senior leaders, attended the program.
Other participants included BNP Vice-Chairmen Nurul Islam Moni and Ahmed Aazam Khan, adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon, Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat and Publicity Secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku.
Tarique returned to Bangladesh on December 25, 2025, after spending around 17 years in London. Since his return, he has addressed several public rallies and political gatherings. However, Saturday’s program marked his participation in a BNP procession on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day.