BNP aims to show organisational strength in 7 November rally, Tarique Rahman to lead

The BNP wants to stage a large gathering in the capital on 7 November for National Revolution and Solidarity Day, in order to signal its organisational strength and street capacity.

The programme is being given special importance amid recent political tension, differences with the 11-party alliance, Sheikh Hasina's announcement of returning to the country, and unrest in the ready-made garment sector.

Through the rally, the ruling party wants to keep its leaders and activists active while also sending a message of its strong position to political opponents.

The colourful rally will start on Saturday (7 November) at 3pm from in front of the BNP central office at Nayapaltan. It will be led by the party's chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The rally will start from Nayapaltan, turn right near the Chief Justice's residence, then pass in front of Hotel InterContinental and go through Banglamotor and Farmgate before ending at Manik Mia Avenue.

On the same day, the BNP will also hold rallies at district and metropolitan levels across the country. On the following day, 8 November, programmes will be held at thana and upazila levels.

Party sources say the BNP held no victory rally after its big win in the national election. About eight and a half months after forming the government, the party is now taking to the streets with a large-scale programme for the first time.

For that reason, the BNP does not want to keep this rally confined to observing the day alone. Through it, the party's policymakers want to make visible its organisational strength, the unity of its leaders and activists, and the presence of public support.

Preparations towards that goal began well in advance. On 26 October, the party's acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi held a joint meeting with the BNP joint secretaries general, Dhaka metropolitan BNP, and top leaders of its front and associate organisations. The meeting directed that maximum preparations be taken to make the programme a success.

After that, organisational meetings were held in different thanas and wards of Dhaka metropolitan to ensure the participation of leaders and activists. Responsibilities were also distributed by dividing into different teams.

Tanvir Ahmed Robin, member secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP, said the BNP is the country's largest political party. When a political party holds a rally or gathering, a message goes to people at the national level. The BNP was organisationally strong, and still is.

He said that for any need of the country, the party and its organisational leaders will be ready to face any situation — whether it is Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League or the opposition.

On Sheikh Hasina's announcement of returning to the country, Tanvir Ahmed Robin said: “We do not think Sheikh Hasina will return to the country. If she does, the people of the country will deal with her. The BNP, as part of the people of Bangladesh, will be there too.”

On the opposition's threats, he said a government has been in place for only eight to nine months. Already the opposition is making various statements and holding programmes like a long march without reason.

Jubo Dal president Abdul Monayem Munna said it is becoming clear that forces wanting to rehabilitate the fascists have merged together with Jamaat, the NCP and covert groups. The BNP is on the streets.

He said attempts to create unrest by inciting workers and using outsiders have not succeeded. In any difficult situation in the country, the BNP will stand beside the people.

On Jubo Dal's preparations for the rally, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will lead the National Revolution and Solidarity Day programme. There is great enthusiasm among leaders and activists over the programme, and Jubo Dal will ensure the presence of a huge number of leaders and activists.

The BNP is observing a seven-day programme from 5 to 11 November for National Revolution and Solidarity Day. As part of it, at 6am on 7 November national and party flags will be hoisted at party offices across the country, including the central office at Nayapaltan.

At 8am, BNP chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the party's national leaders will lay wreaths and offer fateha at the graves of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The central rally will be held at 3pm.

Front and associate organisations are also holding separate programmes. A discussion meeting of Sramik Dal was held on 5 November. At 11am on 7 November, Chhatra Dal has organised a photo exhibition on the Dhaka University campus.

On 8 November, a Chhatra Dal discussion meeting and rallies at thana and upazila levels across the country will be held. On 9 November there will be a Krishak Dal discussion meeting and, in the afternoon of the same day, a discussion meeting and cultural programme of the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS). A Jubo Dal discussion meeting will be held on 10 November. In addition, Ulama Dal will distribute educational materials among orphan students.

Through the events in the country's political and military spheres on 7 November 1975, a major change came in state power and the political situation. The BNP observes the day as National Revolution and Solidarity Day. The party considers the day important also in the political rise of its founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman.