BNP's youth rally in Naya Paltan draws massive crowd

Thousands of leaders and activists from the BNP's youth wings flooded the streets of Naya Paltan on Wednesday, turning the capital’s political hub into a sea of banners, slogans, and party flags.

Organized under the banner “Establishing the Political Rights of the Youth,” the rally was spearheaded by the Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—three key affiliated organizations of the BNP. Although the programme was scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM, participants began arriving in large numbers from early morning, creating a festive yet politically charged atmosphere.

Processions from various districts of Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Faridpur divisions joined local activists, as hundreds of groups marched to BNP’s central office in unison. Wearing t-shirts, waving flags, and chanting slogans, the crowd filled the area with energy and enthusiasm. Party songs, highlighting the legacy of Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman, echoed through loudspeakers.

Leaders of the organizing bodies said the rally was a response to the diminishing political space for the youth. “The young generation is being deprived of political rights. Their right to vote and freedom of expression are under threat. This rally is a protest against that deprivation,” said Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahia, Senior Vice President of Chhatra Dal.

Law enforcement personnel were stationed throughout the area to maintain order. Roads around the venue were temporarily closed to traffic to avoid congestion. The stage was fully prepared by midday, with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman expected to address the rally virtually from London.

This event marks the latest in a series of youth-focused programmes held throughout May, following similar gatherings in Chattogram, Khulna, and Bogura. Tuesday’s rally in the heart of the capital was by far the largest in the campaign.