For the first time since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is planning to hold a major rally in Dhaka. The party has applied to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to organise a public gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan on June 21.
The announcement was confirmed on Saturday (May 31) by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, head of Jamaat's Central Media and Publicity Division and Assistant Secretary General.
"We are preparing to hold a public rally in the capital at 2 pm on June 21. Our primary request is for Suhrawardy Udyan, and the application has already been submitted to the DMP," said Zubair. "Senior Jamaat leaders will address the gathering, and we will also invite leaders from like-minded political parties."
He added that the event depends on the official approval of the venue, and preparations are already underway. More details will be released by the party in the coming days.
Following Sheikh Hasina's departure to India amid the popular uprising on August 5 last year, several political parties, including the BNP, have held public rallies in Dhaka. However, Jamaat has yet to organise a large-scale event in the capital.
Recently, Jamaat senior leader ATM Azharul Islam was acquitted of charges related to crimes against humanity by the Appellate Division. The party quickly held a reception rally at Shahbagh to welcome him upon his release.