Jamaat-e-Islami Leaders and Workers Gather at Suhrawardy Udyan Ahead of Rally

On the eve of their rally, leaders and workers of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have started gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. As of 8:00 PM on Friday, the rally venue was abuzz with preparations.

For the first time in history, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is set to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. The formal proceedings of the rally are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday. In anticipation of the event, party leaders and workers began assembling at the venue on Friday night. By 8:00 PM, a significant number of activists had already arrived.

The rally is being organized to press a seven-point demand, including ensuring a level playing field in elections, justice for the July massacre, and essential reforms. The party has made extensive preparations to ensure the success of the event, with expectations of around 10 lakh leaders and workers attending from across the country. To facilitate their travel, the party has arranged four special train services. At around 8:00 PM on Friday, the stage was being set up on the eastern side of Suhrawardy Udyan, with final preparations underway. Leaders and workers from various districts had already gathered in front of the stage. Some were wearing T-shirts with the Jamaat logo, while others sported white headbands or carried the party’s symbol, the scale. Tarpaulins were spread out in front of the stage, where many activists were resting or chanting party slogans. Some confirmed they would spend the night at the venue. Hamidur Rahman, who came from Birganj Upazila in Dinajpur, was seated near the main stage. Speaking to Prothom Alo, he said, “Around 10,000–12,000 leaders and workers from various upazilas in Dinajpur will arrive tonight. I came early on Thursday night with a friend to observe the preparations and have been at Suhrawardy Udyan since morning.” Abdullah Al-Amin, from Kurigram Sadar Upazila, expressed his excitement, saying, “This is the first time Jamaat is holding a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. It feels great to be part of this historic moment. I came early to secure a spot near the front and will stay here tonight.” Sabbir Ahmed, who arrived from Gazipur, added, “It will be difficult to enter Dhaka tomorrow, so I came early.” Earlier in the day, Jamaat’s Secretary General, Professor Mia Golam Parwar, visited Suhrawardy Udyan to inspect the final preparations. Speaking to journalists, he said the rally would begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, with a recitation of the Quran, followed by performances of hamd and naat. The main event will start at 2:00 PM. He further stated that around 6,000 volunteers would manage 20 points at the rally venue. For attendees coming from outside Dhaka, at least 15 parking points have been arranged. He predicted a massive turnout, with people from across the country converging on the capital. This marks the first time in history that Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan.