Demonstrations led by Chhatra Dal and NCP take place across Dhaka today, aiming to display their power and backing from the public.
Opposition Parties Hold Rallies in Dhaka Amidst Traffic Advisories
Two significant political rallies are set to take place in Dhaka today, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and the National Citizen Party (NCP). The events, aimed at commemorating the first anniversary of the July mass uprising and demonstrating political strength, are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of activists from across the country.
The JCD rally, scheduled for 2:30pm at Shahbagh, is described as a student rally marking the anniversary of the historic July-August mass uprising, sorrow, and victory. The NCP rally, on the other hand, is scheduled for 4pm at the Central Shaheed Minar.
The NCP acknowledges that hosting two rallies in the same vicinity could cause inconvenience. To mitigate this, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued advisories for alternative routes due to potential traffic disruptions. Vehicles coming from High Court/Kadam Fountain are instructed to use Hare Road or Shahid Captain Mansur Ali Avenue (Moghbazar Road) instead of turning toward Shahbagh. Similarly, vehicles from Kakrail Mosque should go through High Court toward Gulistan/Dhaka University to avoid Shahbagh.
The JCD rally, led by senior BNP leaders including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman who will address the rally virtually from London, is aimed at showcasing the party's political mobilization. The NCP rally, on the other hand, will announce its "New Bangladesh Manifesto" during its rally, signaling a platform statement to appeal to voters ahead of elections.
Both rallies are strategically staged to display strength and energize supporters. The DMP has warned that areas around Shahbagh, Shaheed Minar, and Suhrawardy Udyan will see heavy foot and vehicle traffic, especially at the Shahbagh crossing, which may become inaccessible.
The political objectives of these rallies are to consolidate their constituencies and highlight their political relevance after recent governmental changes. By commemorating a shared political cause, these events seek to increase momentum for opposition parties during the election cycle. However, they might also prompt heightened law enforcement vigilance, as seen by traffic restrictions and security measures.
HSC, equivalent, and BCS candidates are recommended to keep extra time to reach their exam centres. The public is advised to use alternative routes such as Hotel Intercontinental, Hare Road/Mintu Road, Nilkhet/Palashi, Sonargaon (Hatirpool) and Banglamotor Link Road, and Hare Road or Shahid Captain Mansur Ali Avenue (Moghbazar Road) instead of Shahbagh.
Both Chhatra Dal and the NCP have issued apologies for any public inconvenience caused by the gatherings. The rallies are aimed at demonstrating the political strength of both organizations.
[1] The Daily Star [2] Prothom Alo [3] Bangla Tribune [4] Dhaka Tribune [5] New Age
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts within political parties in Dhaka, as demonstrated by the JCD and NCP rallies, might lead to an increase in general-news reports and political discussions.
- As traffic disruptions are anticipated due to the political rallies, car-accidents may occur, making it essential for HSC, equivalent, and BCS candidates to plan their routes accordingly to reach their exam centres on time.
- In the backdrop of these political rallies, crime-and-justice might be influenced due to the large gatherings, leading to increased law enforcement vigilance and security measures being deployed.
