Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is set to hold a national rally at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday (July 19), aimed at pressing forward a seven-point demand. However, beyond that, the party aims to demonstrate its political strength to the interim government, the BNP, and other political forces.

The rally comes at a time of political discord and debate among various parties ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections.

For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, Jamaat has independently called for a national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. While the party has previously participated in joint gatherings with the BNP, this marks its first solo effort. The event will be presided over by Jamaat’s Ameer, Dr Shafiqur Rahman.

Following the political shift triggered by the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5 last year, the BNP, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and other groups have held large rallies in the capital. Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Olama-Mashayekh Bangladesh, and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh have each held major rallies at Suhrawardy Udyan on different issues. While the BNP has organised several events in Nayapaltan, the Jamaat has only held a demonstration at Purana Paltan demanding the release of its imprisoned (now freed) leader ATM Azharul Islam.

Though the party has publicly announced the rally as part of its campaign to realize a seven-point demand, political analysts believe there are broader strategic motives at play. The demands include ensuring a level playing field for free, fair, and peaceful elections; justice for all mass killings; essential constitutional reforms; implementation of the “July Charter” and its declaration; rehabilitation of families of those killed and injured in the July uprising; adoption of proportional representation (PR) in national elections; and securing voting rights for over 10 million expatriate Bangladeshis.

Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar said, “In the 54 years since independence, we have faced repeated persecution and lost our constitutional and political rights. After the political change brought by the July 2024 uprising, we have gained a measure of freedom of speech and political liberty. It is in that spirit that we are now able to organise this national rally.”

Sources within the party say Jamaat is preparing to demonstrate its full strength in the upcoming election. The party is seeking the support of other Islamic parties and hopes to unite pro-Islamic voters. The rally may also be used to clarify the Jamaat’s stance on elections, justice, and reform.

Since the mass uprising, Jamaat has become increasingly active. It has already regained registration with the Election Commission along with its electoral symbol, the balance scale. The party now appears focused on projecting electoral power.

This is expected to be Jamaat’s largest public gathering since the August 5 uprising. The rally is drawing significant political attention, with some viewing it as a strategic pre-election move. Jamaat maintains that the event is more than just a party gathering—it reflects the legitimate demands of the broader public.

According to party officials, this rally will be the largest in Jamaat’s history. Instead of relying on trains or launches, around 10,000 buses have been rented to bring attendees. The party expects more than 10 lakh leaders and activists to participate. To ensure discipline and security, 6,000 volunteers will be deployed.

The venue will feature 15 medical booths, 15 parking zones, and eight sub-committees tasked with executing various aspects of the rally.

The main rally is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday. However, cultural performances by the Jamaat’s cultural wing will commence at 10:00 am. Leaders from various Islamic parties and political groups, families of the July martyrs, and injured individuals are expected to be present.

Jamaat has issued an advance apology to Dhaka residents for any inconvenience or traffic congestion caused by the rally, requesting understanding and patience.

Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar added, “We want to organise a historic gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan. A level playing field is essential for free and fair elections. Justice for the July massacre must be expedited, so that it is visibly delivered before the election. No conspiracy should be allowed to derail the ongoing reform process.”

Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, remarked, “This is Jamaat’s first solo rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. Our goal is to build public opinion around the need for a level playing field, proportional representation in national elections, and reforms in local government polls.”

SMS/