Massive Crowd at Jamaat-e-Islami’s National Rally in Suhrawardy Udyan, Anticipated as Largest Gathering in Recent Memory

For the first time, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized its “National Rally 2025” at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. From early Saturday morning, the capital and surrounding areas were flooded with processions and slogans, transforming the park into a sea of people. The party claims this will be the largest political gathering in recent history, aiming to demonstrate a renewed show of organizational strength and political presence.

Flood of People from the Morning

The first phase of the rally began at 9:40 a.m. with a cultural performance by the Saimum Shilpigosthi, hosted by Saifullah Mansur. As the day progressed, processions from various districts marched toward the venue through Shahbagh, TSC, the High Court area, and Matsya Bhaban. Activists and supporters arrived holding the party’s election symbol, the scales, wearing logo-branded T-shirts and waving Jamaat flags.

At 2:00 p.m., the main segment of the rally began with a recitation from the Quran. Earlier, at around 12:15 p.m., Jamaat's Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman entered the venue, welcomed with enthusiastic chants from supporters lining the streets.

Grand Preparations, Hundreds of Thousands in Attendance

To ensure the rally’s success, tens of thousands of activists traveled to Dhaka via around 10,000 buses, several special trains, and launches. Over 30,000 participants reportedly arrived from just one sub-district, Sonaimuri in Noakhali. Thousands more came from districts like Sirajganj, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Barishal, and elsewhere.

The venue was equipped with 33 LED screens, 300 microphones, mobile toilets, medical booths, ablution and prayer facilities, and was managed by approximately 20,000 volunteers to maintain order. Overflow crowds occupied nearby streets and parked buses as makeshift rest areas.

Leadership’s Message and Political Direction

Party leaders stated that Dr. Shafiqur Rahman would deliver a key political message to the younger generation, focusing on themes like establishing a people’s Bangladesh inspired by the July Uprising, justice for genocide victims, political reforms, and elections through proportional representation (PR).

Seven-Point Demand and Political Message

Jamaat-e-Islami presented the following seven-point charter of demands at the rally:

1. Ensure a level playing field in the upcoming national election
   
   

2. Bring justice for all past genocides
   
   

3. Implement necessary political and constitutional reforms
   
   

4. Implement the July Accord and Declaration
   
   

5. Rehabilitate families of martyrs from the July Uprising
   
   

6. Conduct elections under a Proportional Representation (PR) system
   
   

7. Ensure voting rights for expatriates
   
   

The stage was graced by members of the Central Executive Committee, key working committee leaders, overseas representatives, and family members of the July Uprising martyrs. Representatives from the BNP, other opposition parties, and minority communities were also invited.

According to party insiders, while Jamaat previously held rallies in areas like Paltan, Baitul Mukarram, and Nayapaltan, the choice of Suhrawardy Udyan this time symbolizes a bold declaration of organizational revival. Since the political shift on August 5, the party has restructured its organization under central leadership and intensified grassroots activities. Today's gathering is seen as a turning point for the upcoming national election and the broader political landscape of Bangladesh.