Thousands gather at Nayapaltan as Sramik Dal's rally begins
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to deliver an important speech on the current labour situation
Thousands of leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, the labour wing of BNP, gathered at Nayapaltan in the capital to participate in their planned rally on the occasion of May Day.
The rally formally began at around 2:12pm on Thursday with a recitation from the holy Quran.
Leaders and activists from Sramik Dal's Dhaka South and North city units, as well as those from districts adjoining Dhaka, joined the rally wearing red caps.
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Carrying national banners, festoons and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of their different rights, they were also chanting slogans to realise their demands.
Even during a spell of rain that began around 12:30pm, the Sramik Dal leaders and activists did not leave the venue.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to deliver an important speech on the current labour situation and contemporary national politics at the rally as the chief guest.
A makeshift stage has been set up using trucks on the road in front of the party's headquarters where cultural activists have been performing songs to keep the Sramik Dal leaders and workers invigorated amidst the severe temperatures.
At 2:15pm, Qari Golam Mostafa, senior joint convener of the Olama Dal, recited verses from the Quran.
Earlier, from around noon, a cultural programme was held on the rally stage, where performers from JASAS, the cultural wing of the BNP, presented songs.
Leaders from different tiers are now delivering their speeches.
The rally is being presided over by Anwar Hossain, president of the Sramik Dal.
Among those present on stage are BNP Chairperson's Adviser Amanullah Aman, Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan, and Assistant Office Secretary Taiful Islam Tipu, among others.
Since morning, BNP leaders and activists, along with members of its affiliated organisations, have been gathering at Nayapaltan in processions from various parts of the capital to join the rally.
As the day progressed, the crowd grew, spilling over from Nayapaltan into surrounding areas including Kakrail, Fakirapool, and Shantinagar, leading to complete traffic halts on some roads in these areas.
The BNP media cell on Facebook disclosed that various programmes of the Sramik Dal are ongoing at the division, district and upazila levels of the country. Programmes are ongoing in various cities including Rangpur, Natore, Rajshahi, Bogura, Melandha, Comilla, Netrokona, Gaibandha, Narayanganj.
Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office on Wednesday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, "We hope that on this great day of establishing rights, working people will attend the rally to protest their sufferings."
He said Sramik Dal prepared leaflets, banners, and festoons with 12 demands.
"We hope that working people from all walks of life will participate in the great May Day workers' rally organised by the Sramik Dal as a platform for the working class to establish their rights, including the formation of free trade unions, decent work, safe workplaces, and a rationing facility."
Earlier on April 22, BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan announced the plan to hold the rally, aiming for a massive turnout at the programme, where Sramik Dal will present a set of basic demands on behalf of the country's working class.
