Dhaka, Aug 03 (V7N) – The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has kicked off its much-anticipated rally at Shahbagh intersection in the capital on Sunday to commemorate the anniversary of the July Uprising. The event marks the organization’s first major gathering since the historic movement of July-August 2024.

Although the rally was scheduled to begin at 2 PM, leaders and activists from various district and metropolitan units began arriving at the venue from early morning. A large stage has been erected at Shahbagh, where the central leadership is addressing the crowd.

Key Participants

  • BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the rally virtually from London.

  • BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul, and several former Chhatra Dal leaders are also set to deliver speeches.

A Symbolic Gathering

In a break from tradition, the Chhatra Dal leadership has imposed restrictions on visual displays. No banners, placards, or festoons have been allowed at the event. The central command issued a six-point directive to ensure the rally maintains a disciplined and symbolic tone.

This minimalist approach is being viewed as a gesture of respect to the memory of those who lost their lives during last year’s movement and a signal of political maturity by the student front of the BNP.

Public Reaction and Traffic

Despite the lack of visual fanfare, thousands have gathered, prompting significant traffic congestion in the Shahbagh and surrounding areas. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) earlier issued advisories asking commuters to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

The Chhatra Dal has issued an apology in advance for any public inconvenience caused due to the rally.

As the rally unfolds, all eyes are on Tarique Rahman’s virtual address, which is expected to outline the student wing’s future role in the broader political landscape following the July Uprising.

END/RH/AJ