There is a festive atmosphere around the central office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at Naya Paltan in preparation for the party's rally on Wednesday, with thousands gathering in the area.

A stage has already been set up for the event. Since morning, leaders and activists have been arriving in processions from various areas of the capital. 

As the day progressed, the number of activists increased. 

Around 11:45am, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi arrived at the central office. The activists welcomed him with slogans.

In the Naya Paltan area, new posters were put up on the streets for the rally. Some posters described BNP chief Khaleda Zia as the "Mother of Democracy." 

Words used in the posters have also changed. Where previously the demand was for the release of Khaleda Zia, now that demand is absent. 

Pointing to an old poster, a BNP activist said: "We do not need this poster anymore. It is impossible to describe the joy we feel."

Another, Abir Hossain, said: "Today is a day of joy for us. Today we can hold a rally freely. There are no police, no obstacles."

Md Hasan, another activist, said: "My home is in Barisal. I have been in Dhaka since October 28 last year. I have participated in all the party events. We have endured a lot of hardship. Today, we will not face any trouble."

During this time, the leaders and activists expressed their gratitude to the student community of the country for toppling the Awami League government.

The BNP rally is scheduled to start at 2pm. The rally will be presided over by the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the activists at the rally virtually.