BNP’s Khulna Rally Starts Earlier Than Scheduled

Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies joined the party's divisional rally in Khulna city on Saturday, defying various obstacles and transport strike, reports UNB.

The rally, organised by the Khulna city unit of BNP, formally began from the Sonali Bank premises around 11:30am, two and half hours earlier than the scheduled time, with recitation from the Holy Quran.

Police and other security officials have been deployed around the rally venue and at different points in the city to prevent any untoward incident.

The organisers said the rally was meant to denounce the price hike of daily essentials and fuel, the death of five party men in previous police action in Bhola, Narayanganj, Munshiganj and Jashore, and to ensure the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

BNP has long been demanding that the next general election be held under a caretaker government, not under any political government — a demand rejected by the ruling Awami League as the constitution does not allow it.

BNP senior leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and some standing committee members, are expected to address the rally.

BNP activists started gathering at the rally venue last night and many of them stayed overnight there.

Ruling party activists were seen taking positions at different entry points with sticks.

Today’s rally is the third by the BNP at the divisional level as the first one was held in Chattogram and the second one in Mymensingh.

Similar rallies have been planned in other divisional headquarters to drum up support in the run-up to the next election expected to be held late next year or in early 2024.

BNP will conclude the divisional rallies through a mass gathering in Dhaka city on December 10.