Leaders of 30 political parties share stage at Shahbagh

Leaders of 30 political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, joined a solidarity rally organised by Gono Odhikar Parishad at Shahbagh on Friday (September 5), pressing a three-point demand that includes banning the Jatiya Party’s political activities.

On the stage were BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel; Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zobayer; Jamaat Dhaka South Secretary Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud; Islami Andolon Bangladesh Presidium Member Prof Ashraf Ali Akand; Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran; and leaders of other anti-fascist parties.

The rally was organised demanding punishment for those involved in attacks on Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and his activists; trial of the Jatiya Party and the 14-Party Alliance; cancellation of their registration and a ban on their politics; and the resignation of the home affairs adviser for failing in his responsibilities.

Although there were three core demands, most speakers focused on the call to ban the Jatiya Party.

The event took place in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh. Although it was scheduled to start at 3:00pm, processions of Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders and activists began arriving from noon. Around 4:00pm, a Jamaat-led procession also reached the venue.

Among Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders present were Senior Vice-President Faruk Hasan and General Secretary Rashed Khan, along with other top leaders.