Bangladesh launches three days of political rallies ahead of elections
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As Bangladesh edges closer to a pivotal election, political parties from across the spectrum take to the streets of Dhaka in a series of mass rallies, signaling a new era following Sheikh Hasina’s departure.
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Thousands of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists participate in a rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Friday, November 8, 2024. (AP)
Bangladesh has begun three days of mass political rallies, with rival parties mobilising large-scale demonstrations in Dhaka ahead of elections scheduled under the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
The Bangladesh political rallies kicked off on Thursday, drawing thousands to the streets in a show of strength by major parties following last year’s political upheaval. The rallies mark a significant turning point since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country after crowds stormed her palace in August. She currently remains in self-imposed exile in India, defying an arrest warrant from Dhaka on charges of crimes against humanity.
Muhammad Yunus, 84, now heads the interim administration and has promised elections as early as December 2025, with a final deadline of mid-2026.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), widely regarded as the frontrunner in the upcoming vote, staged a major May Day rally in the capital. “We are confident this will be the most memorable grand rally in recent times,” said Shairul Kabir Khan, a BNP media officer.
Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party, also held a parallel rally, reaffirming its return to the political stage. The Jatiya Party, once aligned with Hasina’s former government, organized its first public event since its offices were reportedly attacked last October.
National Citizens Party builds momentum
Friday will see a rally by the National Citizens Party (NCP), formed by students who led the protests that helped unseat Hasina. NCP leader Nahid Islam, who initially joined Yunus’ interim cabinet before resigning, now leads the youth-driven movement.
“Political programs help us build public engagement,” said Ariful Islam Adib, a senior NCP figure. “This rally isn't about showing strength, but we expect 20,000 to 30,000 attendees.”
The final day of demonstrations will feature a “grand rally” by Hefazat-e-Islam, a powerful network of Islamic seminaries. Leader Mamunul Haque stated that the event will serve as a reminder of the group’s historical sacrifices and as a platform for presenting their demands.
“We will present four demands. Chief among them is scrapping the recommendations of the Women’s Rights Commission,” said Haque. “We don’t care if it’s Muhammad Yunus in charge or someone even more prominent, we’ll take to the streets.”
Sheikh Hasina, who ruled the country for over a decade, remains abroad despite an active warrant for her arrest. Her government’s collapse last year continues to reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape, with the upcoming elections expected to be the most consequential in recent history.
