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Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan is teeming with supporters and activists of the Jamaat-e-Islami as the party gears up for its first gathering at the historic venue.
Although the rally is scheduled to begin at 2pm on Saturday, the spaces around the stage had already been filled by 9:30am. From 10am, the Saimum Shilpigosthi began performing.
Work on the stage, guest seating, microphones, large display screens, and placement of the party symbol, "weighing scales", across the ground had been completed by dawn.
Two large gates were built at both entrances to Suhrawardy Udyan. Leaders and supporters from various districts began arriving at the venue from midnight.
A large banner adorning the stage read “National Rally 2025”, with the party’s polls logo next to it. A red carpet was laid on the stage, and in front of it, where guests would sit.
The rally is being held to press for seven demands aimed at ensuring a free, fair, neutral and peaceful national election. These include the trial of all mass killings, essential reforms, implementation of the July Charter and Proclamation, rehabilitation of those who were injured and support for the families of those who died in the July Uprising, elections under a proportional representation (PR) system, voting rights for expatriates, and a level playing field ahead of the polls.
Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, or deputy chief, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said: “Through this rally, we want to present the people’s rightful demands to the nation. Leaders and supporters are coming from all over the country.
“Suhrawardy Udyan has now turned into a sea of people. We expect a record-breaking turnout. Processions are still coming in. We’ll start the formal programme at 2pm.”
Until now, Jamaat had held rallies near Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and Paltan. This is the first time it is staging a gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan.
Several senior Jamaat leaders said the rally was intended to showcase the party’s strength and popularity ahead of the election. They expect not only Suhrawardy Udyan but also the surrounding areas like Dhaka University, Shahbagh, and Matsya Bhaban roads to be packed.
The party has invited “anti-fascist” political groups, families of July Uprising victims, and relatives of Jamaat members killed over the last 15 years.
Seats in front of the stage have been reserved for guests, those who took part in the Uprising, victims' families, and district-level leaders of the party.
A total of 33 LED screens and over 300 microphones have been installed at the venue and surrounding areas to allow everyone to hear the speeches.
Jamaat leaders said around 6,000 volunteers were deployed at the venue.
Rows of temporary and mobile toilets were set up to the east of the stage. There are separate prayer spaces, arrangements for drinking water, and several medical booths inside the grounds.
Parking has been arranged at 13 locations across Dhaka, including Motijheel, Kamalapur, Karwan Bazar, Palashi intersection, and Chankharpul.