BNP to hold public rally in Gopalganj after 19 years on Monday

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is going to hold a public rally in Gopalganj after 19 years. While extensive preparations are underway for the public rally, there is excitement among the leaders and activists on the other hand.

The district BNP will organize this public rally at the Municipal Park Ground of Gopalganj city on Monday as part of the BNP's central program to achieve various demands including curbing the rise in commodity prices, improving law and order, and announcing the outline of the national election. Archways have been constructed on various roads around the rally. Banners and festoons have covered both sides of the road.

BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon is scheduled to be the chief guest at the public rally and Shama Obaid, Organizing Secretary (Faridpur Division) of the central BNP, is scheduled to be the main speaker. Central BNP Joint Organizing Secretary (Faridpur Division) Selimuzzaman, Central Joint Organizing Secretary (Faridpur Division) Khandaker Mashukur Rahman, Joint Legal Secretary Zainul Abedin will be the special guests. It is reported that central leaders including central executive committee member Saiful Islam will be present at the rally. District BNP convener Sharif Rafiquzzaman will preside over the rally.

Meanwhile, to make the rally a success and ensure the presence of a large number of leaders and activists, various organizations including Gopalganj District BNP, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal are holding preparatory meetings, campaigns and leaflet distribution programs at different levels.

Party sources said that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman last held the Faridpur divisional union meeting at Sheikh Kamal Cricket Stadium in Gopalganj city in 2004, which was later changed to a public meeting. Leaders and activists want to gather 30 to 40 thousand people at the public meeting on Monday after 19.

Sadar Upazila BNP President Sikder Shahidul Islam said, "We have not been able to work openly for a long time. A joyful atmosphere has been created among the leaders and activists surrounding the rally on the 24th."

District BNP convener Sharif Rafiquzzaman said, "For the past 15 years, the fascist government's allies have not allowed the leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organizations to hold a single program independently in Gopalganj. After the fall of the fascist government, there is no fear anymore. We have made all kinds of preparations for the public meeting on the 24th. The work of arranging the venue is ongoing. Leaders' pavilions have already been built on various roads."