The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has unveiled a two-day programme, starting with a commemoration event on 14 September to honour martyrs of anti-authoritarian movements, followed by a rally in Dhaka on 15 September to celebrate International Democracy Day.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain made the announcement during a press conference at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan on Wednesday.

Dr Zahid said a commemoration meeting will take place at the Central Shaheed Minar from 3pm to 5pm on 14 September. The event will pay tribute to those who were killed, injured or went missing during recent student-led mass uprisings and in the broader struggle against authoritarianism over the past 17 years.

He also said, “On 15 September, the BNP will hold a democracy rally in Dhaka to observe International Democracy Day. People will gather in the capital and other parts of the country to thwart any conspiracies against democracy.”

While the exact location for the rally is yet to be finalised, the party is considering either Naya Paltan or Suhrawardy Udyan as the venue. Similar rallies will also be held in all divisional cities across the country on the same day.

The press conference followed a joint meeting of BNP leaders and representatives from its affiliated organisations, including the presidents and general secretaries of all units.

BDST: 2113 HRS, SEPT 11, 2024
MN