Jamaat's National Rally: Colorful Scales Add Vibrancy

The national rally of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is underway at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. The event is adorned with vibrant scales of various colors in the hands of party leaders and activists, creating a unique atmosphere.

A steady stream of Jamaat leaders and workers continues to pour into Suhrawardy Udyan from areas like Banglamotor and Farmgate. They are seen carrying the national flag of Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami’s party flag, and colorful scales.

On-site observations show that as the day progresses, the crowd of activists is growing. Leaders and workers from various parts of the country are heading toward the rally in groups, chanting slogans. Apart from Bangladesh’s national flag, the party’s flag, and scales, no other country’s flags or banners are allowed, with volunteers strictly monitoring compliance. Colorful scales are visible in every procession, with some holding red, others white, and many carrying scales in various hues as they rush toward the rally. Majnu, a tea stall owner near Banglamotor, told that, “It feels great to see such large groups of people at Jamaat’s rally after a long time. The colorful scales in every procession catch our attention—some are red, some white, some blue, and others are wrapped with Jamaat-e-Islami’s flag.” The national rally, organized with a seven-point demand, has already drawn massive crowds. Long before the event began, Suhrawardy Udyan was nearly filled to capacity with Jamaat leaders, workers, and supporters. Thousands more are stationed outside the venue. Many activists are seen holding scales, the party’s symbol, while wearing T-shirts and panjabis featuring the party’s monogram. To ensure the rally’s success, around 20,000 volunteers are on duty. Since dawn, volunteers have taken positions across several kilometers around the rally venue. Visits to areas like the High Court, Matsya Bhaban, and Shahbag revealed volunteers in uniform assisting attendees. They are guiding participants from different regions on which gates to use for entry. Masudur Rahman, head of the volunteer team at the Matsya Bhaban spot, told Dhaka Post, “Our goal is to assist the leaders and workers attending the rally. Around 20,000 volunteers are on duty across the capital, with 6,000 specifically around Suhrawardy Udyan.” Since early morning, Jamaat activists have been seen entering Suhrawardy Udyan in small processions from various locations. The rally is being held with a seven-point agenda, including demands for a free, fair, neutral, and peaceful election with a level playing field, justice for all mass killings, essential reforms, implementation of the ‘July Charter’ and manifesto, rehabilitation of families of those martyred or injured in the July uprising, proportional representation in national elections, and ensuring voting rights for over 10 million expatriate voters. This marks the first time since Bangladesh’s independence that Jamaat-e-Islami is holding a national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan independently.