Jamaat-e-Islami Holds Historic Rally at Suhrawardy Udyan Amid Massive Turnout

Thousands gather in Dhaka as party presses seven-point demand for electoral reforms and justice ahead of upcoming polls

In a significant show of political strength, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held its first-ever national rally at the iconic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Thursday, drawing tens of thousands of supporters from across the country. The rally aims to press home the party’s seven-point charter demanding electoral reform, justice, and democratic rights ahead of the upcoming national election.

The day-long event began in the morning with a cultural programme featuring performances by Saifullah Mansur and Saimum Shilpi Goshthi. Artistes from various metropolitan and divisional levels participated, lending a celebratory atmosphere to the early hours of the rally. The official proceedings commenced at 9:40am, although supporters began arriving much earlier.

Party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is presiding over the rally, which officially starts at 2:00pm. Thousands of Jamaat leaders and activists have been converging at the venue since dawn. Clad in traditional panjabis and T-shirts bearing the party’s monogram and electoral symbol, supporters arrived in massive processions, having travelled by bus, train, and launch from distant districts.

According to party officials, over 10,000 buses and 2,000 microbuses were hired to transport participants. Bangladesh Railway also approved four pairs of special trains for the occasion and added extra coaches to Dhaka-bound trains from Rajshahi, Syedpur, and other districts to accommodate the influx.

To manage logistics and maintain order, the party deployed around 6,000 volunteers at 20 key points across the venue. Organisers also set up 15 medical booths and designated parking zones to support the gathering.

As the crowds swelled, heavy traffic congestion was reported in several areas, particularly on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway near Jatrabari. Long queues of vehicles extended for several kilometres, while a shortage of public buses disrupted travel on key routes including Narayanganj, Chattogram Road, Sonargaon, and Madanpur.

This rally marks a historical moment for Jamaat-e-Islami as it is their first major political congregation at Suhrawardy Udyan, a site steeped in the political history of Bangladesh. The large turnout underscores the party’s renewed efforts to re-establish its political relevance after years of restrictions and limited public mobilisation.

Jamaat’s seven-point demand includes several core issues: ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election through a level playing field; trying those responsible for mass killings; implementing the July Charter and Declaration; rehabilitating families affected by the July uprising; holding national elections under a proportional representation system; enacting fundamental reforms; and granting voting rights to over one crore Bangladeshi expatriates.

National leaders are expected to address the rally later in the day, presenting their vision and roadmap for the upcoming election. The event is being closely watched by political observers and the general public alike, as it could set the tone for the opposition’s role in the electoral landscape in the months ahead.

Team Maverick.