Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has said it will not send any representatives to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, according to BNP media cell official Shayrul Kabir Khan.
However, leaders from several Islamist parties – including Islami Andolon Bangladesh, National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and Khelafat Majlish – are expected to join the rally. These parties have been vocal in demanding proportional representation (PR) in the upcoming national election, and their delegates are likely to address the gathering.
Jamaat leaders have said they expect around one million activists from across the country to attend the event. Members of the party’s executive committee, family members of deceased activists, and various professionals invited by Jamaat are also expected to be present. Invitations were extended to leaders of BNP, NCP, Islami Andolon, and other political parties, Jamaat said.
Self-funded participation
Asked about the rally, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim said the party has endured years of persecution, especially during what he described as an era of fascism over the past 17 years. Now, he said, a political environment has emerged where Jamaat can finally speak freely.
“This is the first time in 54 years of independence that Jamaat is holding its national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. Through this event, we want to prove our strength,” he said.
He added that a large stage with seating for 300 people has been set up. Invitations have been sent to BNP and all other parties opposing what Jamaat calls fascism.
Fatal accident en route to rally
Meanwhile, the journey to the rally has not been without tragedy. The Ameer of Jamaat’s Dakop unit Mawlana Sheikh Abu Sayeed died in a road accident while travelling to Dhaka to attend the gathering.
Push for proportional representation
Previously, on 28 June, Jamaat leaders shared the stage with Islami Andolon at Suhrawardy Udyan during the latter’s grand rally. Other parties on that platform included NCP, AB Party, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Islami Oikya Jote, Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Hefazat-e-Islam, Jatiya Hindu Mohajote, and Bangladesh Christian Association.
These groups collectively demanded the next national election be held under a proportional representation system. They also called on BNP, which opposes PR, to agree to form a parliament based on this method. Failing that, the parties proposed holding a referendum on the issue.