For the first time since the 12th parliamentary elections, both the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized simultaneous rallies yesterday, marking a significant political standoff.
The Awami League led a peaceful demonstration advocating for democracy in Dhaka, while the BNP, after a 90-day hiatus, held a street program featuring a black flag march across major metropolitan areas, including Dhaka, in what they claimed to be their most substantial gathering since October 28.
The BNP grassroots perceive this post-election black flag rally as a pivotal moment, signaling their re-emergence to vocalize demands amidst the prevailing turmoil within the party ranks. Leaders anticipate a gradual easing of panic and instability that has gripped BNP supporters following recent events.
Despite facing legal challenges, attacks, and incarcerations hindering major initiatives, the BNP was gearing up to assert its stance through significant post-election programs, marking a potential resurgence in street-level activism, leaders of the party said
BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan boldly proclaimed the symbolic intent behind their rally, vowing to sound the "farewell bell" for the ruling party. His remarks were made during a pre-march rally before the central office in Naya Paltan, emphasizing peaceful protests against what they term the government's illegitimate hold on power since January 7.
Addressing supporters, Khan reiterated the party demands for the annulment of the 12th parliament, the release of imprisoned activists, and the resignation of the government.
"The BNP has come to the streets to ring the farewell bell of the government. The program was held as part of a peaceful protest. The ruling party will be forced to leave with a black flag. On January 7, the government held elections using state power. This has resulted in the moral defeat of the people. The movement will continue until democracy is restored," the BNP leader said.
The BNP marched with black flags in major cities, including Dhaka, demanding a stop to the increase in the prices of daily necessities, the release of imprisoned activists, the dissolution of the 'illegal parliament', and the resignation of the government.
The BNP will hold another black flag rally on January 30 to press the same demands. BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy announced the new program in a short speech before the black flag procession.
He said: "From the rally, we will win. Our leader Tarique Rahman was elected as the leader of 180 million people on January 7. On January 30, the day of the first session of the illegal parliament, there will be a black flag procession on the streets again."
He continued: "Today, a case was filed against us for attacking the residence of the Chief Justice! And what happened when former Chief Justice SK Sinha left the country? How much did the position of the Chief Justice become tarnished?"
Also yesterday, the Awami League, led by General Secretary Obaidul Quader, rallied for peace and democracy, echoing assurances of government action to address rising commodity prices amidst global economic challenges.
Quader's speech at the Awami League headquarters emphasized public trust in the government's efforts to stabilize the economy, citing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's proactive approach in crisis management.
Addressing the activists, he said that on January 30, peace, democracy, and development rallies will be held in all cities, districts, and upazilas. "On that day, you will hold the red-green flag and talk about how democracy, peace and development will happen."
He said that the government has stepped into the field to rein in unbridled commodity prices due to various international reasons, including war. He requested people to be patient and place their trust in the government.
"Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina came to power with the entire team to alleviate the crisis of the people. She called the entire cabinet for action planning and market regulation,” Quader said.
"People of the country love Sheikh Hasina. A people-friendly government like hers has never come. Don't lose faith. Today there is global unrest, even war in the Red Sea. The reaction of this war is in Bangladesh. We have to import with more money; we have to sell at a lower price. Don't be impatient. Trust Sheikh Hasina,” he added.
Obaidul Quader said that the BNP has gone astray with the agitation. “They have entered the field again. People do not respond to this movement. No one listens to the call of blockade or traffic jams to the road. The BNP's movement-blockade-hartal, one-point demands are fake.”
Calling on party leaders and activists across the country to be on guard, he said, "We cannot allow this evil force to grow anymore. The forces of the liberation war must be united.”
With both parties having announced upcoming programs on January 30, tensions between them remain palpable.
