Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami started a mass rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Saturday to press home a seven-point demand.

Although the rally was scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm, party supporters began gathering at the historic venue from Friday evening, with crowds swelling throughout Saturday morning.

A large number of leaders and activists from different parts of the country assembled in and around Suhrawardy Udyan, chanting slogans and marching in processions. The rally site was charged with party chants and coordinated movements.

Supporters from areas including Mohakhali, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Bangla Motor, Shahbagh, TSC, Dhol Chattar, Kakrail and Matsya Bhaban were seen arriving in large processions. Many wore white T-shirts bearing slogans such as “First vote for the youth, vote for Jamaat” and “Vote on the scales,” while chanting the party slogan, “Mizan.”

Jamaat’s seven demands include, justice for past massacres, including the incident on August 5, 2024; radical reforms at all levels of the state; implementation of the historic July Charter and Declaration; rehabilitation of the martyrs and injured of the July uprising; introduction of a proportional representation system in elections; voting rights for expatriates; and equal opportunities for all political parties.

Party leaders said the rally is part of a broader movement to raise public support for these demands, expressing hope that the event would serve as a platform for future policy direction.

SMS/