Jamaat-e-Islami has completed preparations for a major public rally at Dhaka`s historic Suhrawardy Udyan, aiming to gather hundreds of thousands of supporters under the banner of a “National Assembly 2025.”
Although the rally is officially scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM on Saturday, by 9:30 AM the area around the stage had already transformed into a sea of people. From 10:00 AM, members of the Saimum Shilpi Gosthi were performing patriotic and religious songs to energize the crowd.
Event preparations were completed before dawn, including the installation of a large stage, sound systems, giant screens, and decorations featuring the party’s symbol—the scale.
Two grand entry gates were erected at the main entrances to the venue. Supporters and leaders from various districts began arriving in Dhaka as early as midnight.
A large banner reading “National Assembly 2025” was displayed on the main stage, flanked by the party’s emblem. A red carpet was laid for guests in front of the stage, with designated seating arrangements.
The rally is being held to press for seven demands, including: ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful national election; trial for all past genocides; fundamental reforms; implementation of the July Charter and Declaration; rehabilitation for families of those killed or injured in the July uprising; adoption of a proportional representation (PR) election system; provisions for expatriate voting; and establishing a level playing field ahead of the national election.
Speaking to media, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, “Through this rally, we aim to present the rightful demands of the people to the nation. Our supporters are coming from all corners of the country. As you can see, Suhrawardy Udyan has already turned into a human sea. We expect this to be one of the largest political gatherings in recent memory. People are still arriving in processions from nearby areas. God willing, we will formally begin at 2:00 PM.”
This marks the first time Jamaat is holding a major rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, having previously limited its gatherings to areas around the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and Paltan intersection.
Senior Jamaat leaders said the rally is intended to showcase the party’s organizational strength and public support ahead of the upcoming elections.
They expect not only Suhrawardy Udyan but also surrounding areas—including Dhaka University, Shahbagh, and Matsya Bhaban—to be packed with attendees before the formal start of the rally.
