Jamaat set for its first-ever Suhrawardy Udyan rally today

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is all set to hold its first-ever national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka today, aiming to demonstrate its organisational strength and supporter base, and to press a seven-point demand that includes holding the next general election under a proportional representation system.

To ensure the rally's success, the party's leaders and activists have arranged buses, trains, and launches from across the country to reach the venue on time, with some arriving early.

Visiting the rally venue on Friday afternoon, the party's Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, "People will start entering Dhaka from tonight [Friday] via land, river, road, and rail routes. We hope no one faces harassment and that the national rally is held in a peaceful atmosphere."

A visit to Suhrawardy Udyan revealed that from Friday noon, party leaders and activists from different parts of the country began gathering at the venue, taking photos and chatting cheerfully. 

Simultaneously, work was underway to build the rally stage, temporary ablution facilities, toilets, and rest areas.

Md Roknuddin, a Jamaat activist from Shahabad Union in Narail Sadar, told TBS, "I arrived a day early because it will be tough to stay near the stage on the rally day. After 15 years of oppression and persecution, I never imagined we'd be able to hold such a rally. This is a highlight of my political life."

He added that 210 buses, carrying Jamaat leaders and activists, will arrive from the Narail district alone.

Ahead of the rally, the party has launched a widespread campaign across Dhaka and beyond. They have put up banners and festoons, organised regular processions and rallies, distributed leaflets, and conducted announcements via megaphones on decorated vehicles. 

Such activities have been seen in various parts of the capital, including Shahbagh, Mirpur, Badda, Mohakhali, Sadarghat, and Banani.

Expressing hope that all preparations would be completed by Friday night, Golam Parwar said that hundreds of loudspeakers and 33 LED screens have been installed at multiple locations within the rally grounds.

"Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to enter Dhaka on Saturday for the rally, which may cause some temporary inconvenience. However, the party has taken measures to minimise the disruption as much as possible," he added.

About 6,000 volunteers have been assigned to ensure peace, security, and provide assistance to attendees at the venue. There will be 15 medical booths and 15 designated parking areas for vehicles coming from various districts.

Party leaders said the rally will begin at 10am on Saturday, starting with Quran recitation and Islamic songs. The main programme is scheduled to start at 2pm.

The party's seven demands include guaranteeing a level playing field for free, fair elections; justice for all victims of July mass killing; necessary fundamental reforms; implementation of the July Charter and manifesto; rehabilitation of families of those martyred or injured during the July uprising; holding national elections under the proportional representation system; and enabling over one crore expatriates to vote.