Historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day: BNP Rally Draws Large Crowds

On the occasion of the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day, on Friday, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized a colorful rally. From noon, a flood of party leaders, activists, and the general public gathered in front of BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka. By the afternoon, the entire area turned into a sea of people. The Nayapaltan area was adorned with banners, festoons, and slogans.

From 1:30 PM onwards, leaders and activists of BNP and its allied organizations from different parts of Dhaka began arriving at Nayapaltan with processions. North and South Dhaka BNP, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Chhatra Dal, and other affiliated organizations joined the rally with party flags, placards, and displays on cars and trucks. At 3:35 PM, a pre-rally meeting was held for about half an hour. After the meeting, the rally began from Nayapaltan at 4:15 PM and ended in front of the Sonargaon Hotel at the Circus Fountain.

At the brief pre-rally meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “I want to state very clearly that there is a conspiracy regarding the election. The election and the referendum must be held on the same day, and that election should take place in February 2026. Otherwise, the people of Bangladesh will never accept it.”

Referring to the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, as the “leader of the modern democratic movement,” Mirza Fakhrul said, “Tarique Rahman had announced a 31-point program for reforms. If the interim government begins the work of these reforms, we fully support them. For one year, they have worked to lay the road for reform. On October 17, there was a consensus among various parties, which we signed.”

However, he alleged, “Suddenly, an adviser held a press conference and stated that political parties would be given seven days to decide. Then, where did the opinions of political parties go in the work done at the consensus commission for so long? So much money was spent, but no problem was solved!”

The BNP Secretary General said, “A political party is forming a coalition to pressure that a referendum should take place before the election. We have said the referendum must be held on the day of the election. Holding two votes would incur unnecessary costs and diminish the importance of the main election. Yet the interim government is taking steps that could obstruct the electoral process.”

He said, “We will participate in this election and, Insha’Allah, win to build a new Bangladesh.” Addressing the youth, Mirza Fakhrul said, “Recognize the sacrifices you have made, pay respect to the souls of our thousands of martyred leaders and activists, move forward, and ensure victory.”

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said, “BNP has no history of conspiracies, nor any history of coming to power through backdoor deals.”

He added, “A party that trades in religion and sells heaven’s tickets is accusing a major party of plotting against the country’s democracy. I want to say in their place: those of you making these claims are conspiring against the independence and sovereignty of the country.”

Mirza Abbas said, “The independence of this country was achieved under the leadership of BNP leader and martyr President Ziaur Rahman. On November 7, you have shown disrespect to this day. You are silent about this day but claim a bigger party is conspiring. BNP has no history of conspiracies. We have never come to power through backdoor deals; rather, you have repeatedly tried since 1947. At that time, you did not participate in the independence movement and went against the people. In 1971, you went against the people. Even now, you are trying to go against the people.”

He said, “BNP has been very calm, civilized, and polite recently... We said we would cooperate with this government. We have always cooperated. If you think our humility and politeness is weakness, you are living in a fool’s paradise. If BNP takes to the streets, your tablets will not be enough to handle us.” Regarding the implementation of the July National ID, this BNP leader said, “Many have talked at length about the ID. We have repeatedly tried to comply, but you find some fault and try to destroy it. Stop all these wrongdoings. Look at the history of past days, apologize, and do not try to mislead the nation anymore.”

At the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Moin Khan said, “Just as the sepoy-public united to liberate the people 50 years ago, on August 5, 2024, students, workers, and the public united to free Bangladesh from autocratic chains.”

Dr. Moin Khan stated that this movement was led by BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Under his direction, millions of BNP leaders and activists have spent a decade fighting against autocracy on the streets—giving life and blood, enduring jail, persecution, and lawsuits.

He said, “November 7 has created a new political landscape in Bangladesh. Under BNP’s leadership, we will restore democracy in the country and ensure the political freedom of the people.” Dr. Moin Khan believes that the unity and sacrifice of the people have laid the foundation for the country’s future democratic journey.

Among the top leaders of BNP central and affiliated organizations present at the rally were Abdus Salam, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Asadul Karim Shaheen, Mir Newaz Ali Newaz, Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Aminul Haque, Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, S.M. Zilani, Abdul Monayem Munna, Helal Khan, Hasan Jafir Tuhin, Sanjida Islam Tuli, Rakibul Islam Rakib, and others.