Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) convened a significant rally in Nayapaltan in front of the party's central office.
The rally was notably attended virtually by the acting chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman, with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the party's Secretary General, presiding on Wednesday (7 August).
The resignation of Sheikh Hasina has ignited jubilation amongst BNP leaders and supporters nationwide.
Preparations for the rally commenced on Tuesday (6 August) night as the BNP erected a stage outside their Nayapaltan office without facing any obstruction from the authorities.
Since the morning, activists have been assembling in groups from various parts of the capital to join the rally.
An on-ground assessment revealed a transformed atmosphere around the party headquarters.
For the past decade, the area had been heavily patrolled by police and security forces, a scene absent today.
Banners featuring the image of Khaleda Zia, the BNP Chairperson released by presidential order, adorned the rally site, alongside banners depicting acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Loudspeakers were set up extending to Bijoy Nagar Water Tank.
BNP leaders and supporters expressed relief at the newfound freedom to gather without fear of arrest or attack, a stark contrast to previous rallies often marred by police interference.
"Earlier, we faced numerous obstacles and risks of arrest en route to rallies. Today, we are free from those fears," remarked one attendee.
Speakers at the rally from the stage emphasized the newfound freedom and cautioned against internal discord, warning that opportunists might try to infiltrate and create chaos within the party. Instructions were issued to safeguard significant locations, including the residences of justices and the Paltan police station, to maintain order.
The assembly marks a pivotal moment for the BNP, celebrating their perceived victory and strategizing for the future in a significantly altered political environment.
