The first phase of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s rally commenced at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Saturday morning, marking the party's unprecedented solo gathering at the historic venue.

The programme formally began at 9:40 am with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by cultural performances led by artist Saifullah Mansur.

A large number of Jamaat supporters, many dressed in party monogrammed T-shirts and traditional attire, had filled Suhrawardy Udyan and its surrounding areas well before the official start. 

Many were seen carrying the party’s symbol — the scales — as they arrived in processions from various districts by bus, train, and launch.

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, present at the venue early in the day, thanked Allah for what he described as a “sea of people” and expressed gratitude for favourable weather.

“We thank Allah. Our rally has already turned into an ocean of people,” he told reporters at the site.

The gathering is being held to press home the party’s seven-point charter of demands. These include calls for a level playing field to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, the trial of all acts of genocide, fundamental political reforms, implementation of the "July Charter," and the rehabilitation of families affected by the July uprising.

Other demands include introducing a proportional representation (PR) system for national elections and ensuring voting rights for more than 10 million expatriate Bangladeshis.

Security has been tightened around the High Court, Matsya Bhaban, and Shahbagh areas as large crowds continue to pour into the rally venue.

SMS/