Chatra Dal leaders and activists are joining the rally in Shahbagh in groups

BNP's student organization—Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal—is holding a student rally in Shahbagh in the capital to mark the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. Although it was supposed to start at 2:30 pm on Sunday (August 4), leaders and activists from different areas and districts of the capital have started gathering in groups at Shahbagh since the morning.

Chhatra Dal leaders and activists are reaching the rally site in separate processions, holding national and party flags and chanting slogans. The entire area has already become bustling with their presence.

Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said, "Today's rally will be the largest student rally in the history of Chhatra Dal. This will be an important milestone on the path to restoring democracy."

He further said, “The democratic trend in the country has been hampered for the past 17 years. During that dark period, the young generation risked their lives to protest against the tyrannical rule of Sheikh Hasina. Today’s rally is a reflection of the collective efforts of those brave youth.”

Nasir expressed hope that a large number of ordinary students, along with lakhs of leaders and activists, would participate in this rally.

The Chhatra Dal has informed that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will join the rally virtually from the UK as the chief guest. The party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will be the special guest.

BNP Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul will address the rally as the main speaker. Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib will preside and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir will moderate.

Security has been beefed up in the Shahbagh area surrounding this rally, organized as part of Chhatra Dal’s month-long program, sources said.