The May Day rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal began at Nayapaltan in the capital on Friday afternoon, drawing a large turnout of workers and party supporters despite rain-soaked streets across the city.
The rally started around 2:30pm in front of the BNP’s central office.
Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the rally with Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain in the chair.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, party Standing Committee members and labour leaders are also expected to speak.
Although adverse weather and overnight rain left many roads in Dhaka waterlogged, people thronged the venue since morning.
A huge stage has been erected in front of the party's central office. The north-facing stage features portraits of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, late Chairperson Khaleda Zia and current Chairman Tarique Rahman on both sides.
Organisers said more than 150 loudspeakers have been installed in and around Fakirerpool, Paltan and Kakrail.
The rally has generated considerable enthusiasm among party leaders and activists. Many arrived wearing red caps and T-shirts, carrying banners and beating drums.
Since morning, processions from different parts of the capital and neighbouring districts converged on Nayapaltan, turning the entire area vibrant with slogans and applause.
According to Sramik Dal sources, the road from Fakirerpool to Kakrail remained closed, with vehicles being diverted through alternative routes. Special arrangements have been made to ensure the movement of emergency services, particularly ambulances.
Free medical camps and mobile toilet facilities have also been arranged for party activists and members of the public attending the rally.
This is the BNP's first major party programme in the capital since forming the government after securing a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election.
Leaders and activists from Dhaka and neighbouring districts, including Narayanganj, Gazipur, Manikganj and Narsingdi, joined the rally.
May Day commemorates the sacrifice of workers who laid down their lives in Chicago in 1886 while demanding fair wages, dignity of labour and an eight-hour workday.
The day is observed with due respect in Bangladesh and all other countries in the world as a symbol of workers' rights and solidarity.
FP/MI
107 police personnel to get medals
Current Jamaat different from 1971 version: Porwar
UN's Guterres says money owed by US is 'non-negotiable'
This honour belongs to the people: Runa Laila
Rain and runoff trigger spawning activity in Halda river
14,500 new posts to be created in police: Home minister
9 more children die from measles, symptoms
National Legal Aid Day Observed in Chattogram
CU Celebrates 73rd Anniversary of DNA Discovery
