BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the government to take effective steps to meet the expectations of people in order to foil any plots by the evil forces.
Tarique Rahman, speaking virtually from London, declared that friday’s rally in Dhaka a march “to protect the interests of Bangladesh” rather than a protest against any individual or group.
Addressing tens of thousands gathered in Naya Paltan to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day, Rahman emphasized the need to identify the country’s “enemies” in 2024, linking the spirit of unity shown on November 7, 1975, to today’s rally as a call to safeguard national sovereignty and democratic rights.
The rally, presided over by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, saw tens of thousands of supporters and BNP associates carrying banners, festoons, and placards, chanting slogans in favor of democracy and justice.
Participants began gathering at Nayapaltan from noon, while followers joined in processions from different areas of Dhaka.
Tarique Rahman reiterated his belief in the power of unity among pro-Bangladesh forces, saying: “As long as the forces in support of Bangladesh remain united, no one can threaten the country’s independence.”
He described the rally as a “procession to instill the inherent teachings of November 7 into the forces supporting Bangladesh.”
He also addressed the country’s democratic aspirations, urging the importance of electing public representatives through every citizen's vote to prevent the return of fascism.
“Until individuals aspiring to be representatives—from local to central government—are reliant on public votes, the people will not experience the benefits of democracy,” he said.
He said that the welfare of lower-income groups is threatened by market syndicates, a problem he believes direct voting rights can address.
Cautioning the people, he added: “The conspiracies of anti-democratic forces are still active, with allies of the fugitive autocrat working domestically and internationally to thwart the interim government’s efforts. This interim government must not be allowed to fail.”
BNP leaders Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and others were present on the stage.
After Rahman’s speech, Mirza Fakhrul and other leaders saluted him, and the rally began, proceeding through the capital's major routes before its scheduled conclusion near the South Gate of the National Parliament.
The rally underscored BNP’s call for an equal, democratic, and humane Bangladesh, paying tribute to the struggles of students and citizens injured in past anti-fascism movements and those who sacrificed their lives for a democratic future.
Streets and alleys from Kakrail Mosque to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the area.
It also proceeded towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate.
Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, BNP activists are chanting slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman.
BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975.
On November 7, 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.
