BNP rally begins at Golapbagh

BNP's divisional mass meeting in Dhaka started with Quran recitation at 10:20 am on Saturday morning at Golapbagh ground in the capital.

The much-hyped rally began amid rumors, political unrest, the arrest of numerous party leaders and volunteers, and drawn-out discussions.

Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, is present at the gathering as the chief guest as  BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee member Mirza Abbas, and other top leaders were sent to jail on Friday in a case filed over Wednesday's clash between the BNP men and police in Naya Paltan.

BNP vice chairman and adviser to the chairperson Dhaka North convenor Amanullah Aman is presiding over the rally.

At 10:30 am, BNP district president for Manikganj, Afroza Khan Rita, gave the opening address.

To represent BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and BNP Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman, two places on the dais have been left empty.

BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Joint Secretary General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel, and Party Chairperson's adviser Joynal Abedin Faruq, Moazzem Hossain Alal, former mayor of Rajshahi Mizanur Rahman Minu, Chhatra Dal president Kazi Rawnukul Hasan Shraban were among those who were present on stage.

Former Chhatra Dal president Azizul Bari Helal is conducting the program.

The capital's Golapbagh field and surrounding areas are in festive mood with the slogans of leaders and activists of BNP since dawn. 

On the occasion of BNP's Dhaka divisional mass meeting, leaders and activists from different districts of the country and different units of the capital are entering the rally venue with processions.

On Saturday morning, it is seen at the rally venue, the BNP men are coming to the rally wearing various coloured t-shirts and caps.

Talking to several leaders and activists who came to the rally from different district towns of the country, it is known that they entered Dhaka a few days back to join the rally and they are happy joining the party’s mass gathering.

Thousands of BNP supporters have been assembling at Golapbag field in the Sayedabad neighborhood of the capital since Friday afternoon in preparation for the party's rally on December 10.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) ultimately gave the BNP permission on Friday afternoon to stage the rally at Golapbag Field, which would begin at 11am on Saturday.

The throng grew outside of the arena as more people arrived. They are shouting anti-government chants.

Meanwhile, a sizable contingent of law enforcement officers has been stationed in the area close to the event.

The BNP invited any parties who are prepared to stage a simultaneous movement against the government to participate in the demonstration.

BNP Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain stated at a news conference at the party chairperson's Gulshan office that the party will make public a 10-point charter of demands to overthrow the government at the protest rally on Saturday.