Jamaat rally begins at Suhrawardy Udyan

The national rally of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has officially commenced at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan to press home the party’s seven-point demand including adopting a proportional representation (PR) system for national elections.

The programme officially commenced at 2:00pm, with recitation from the Holy Quran, at Suhrawardy Udyan where thousands of party activists from various parts of the country gathered.

Supporters continued to arrive at the venue in processions, chanting slogans and carrying banners in support of the demands.

Jamaat chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman is presiding over the rally.

The venue was fully packed with party supporters crowding nearby roads, as well as the Ramna Park.

Vehicular movement in the surrounding areas came to a complete standstill due to the massive gathering, forcing commuters to walk to their destinations.

Earlier in the day, the first phase of the rally began at 9:40am with a cultural programme.

Leaders and activists of Jamaat and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, participated in the performance.

Jamaat’s key demands at the rally include ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections with a level playing field, initiating fundamental political reforms, introducing the July charter and adopting a proportional representation (PR) system for national elections.