Mass rally site filled at dawn: Jamaat's crowd in the capital

In the wake of the desire for political change and seven-point demands, the national rally of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is being held at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Saturday (July 19). Although the main formalities of the rally were supposed to begin at 2 pm, Suhrawardy Udyan was filled to the brim with people before dawn.

Jamaat and Shibir leaders and activists started arriving in the capital in droves from different districts of the country since Friday night. They arrived at the rally site in various transport vehicles throughout the night. Despite fatigue and sleeplessness, everyone had an impression of confidence and conviction on their faces. Some came by launch, some by bus, some by truck—but all came spontaneously, at their own expense, respectful of specific instructions.

Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Tariqul Islam said that thousands of leaders and activists from his district Jhalokati came to Dhaka by launch. All came at their own expense, without putting any pressure on the organization. Many even bore the expenses of others themselves. Tariqul said, “There was no singing, playing cards, smoking or drug use at the launch. Everyone was very disciplined and conscious. It was truly a unique experience.”

Similarly, a young man from Comilla, Abir Rahman, said that they left last night and reached the rally site before dawn. They brought dry food, water and prayer mats. “We spent it ourselves, we did not use any money from the organization. Rather, some even voluntarily paid for the expenses of 10-20 people,” said Abir.

Kausar Islam, who came from the far northern district of Panchagarh, said, “Our instructions were to be in the field only after the Fajr prayers. Accordingly, we left in the afternoon and reached Dhaka at Fajr. We all left the car at a designated place and went to the field.”

The country's famous artists are performing Islamic music at the rally. Their performance has started at 10 am. In addition, there are ablution and prayer facilities, medical booths and adequate discipline measures in the field. The organizers said that all necessary preparations have been made to keep the entire rally area safe and orderly under their own management.

The rally will be presided over by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. He and other top leaders will present seven-point demands including elections using the PR method, level playing field, and reform of the judiciary. The special thing is that Jamaat has invited all the active political parties of the country to this rally, with the aim of creating an environment for universal and participatory politics.

This rally is not just a political program, but a socio-moral message. This event has portrayed the image of ideological politics through discipline, self-reliance and tolerance. Suhrawardy Udyan seems to be testifying today that disciplined political practice is still possible in Bangladesh—if there is the right leadership, a strong mindset, and an ideological commitment.