Nayapaltan sees thousands turn out for Sramik Dal demonstration

NN Online:
Thousands of leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, a key associate body of the BNP, began gathering in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, on Thursday morning to take part in a rally commemorating International Workers’ Day (May Day).

By 11:30 AM, UNB correspondents on site reported a steady stream of participants arriving in processions from Sramik Dal’s Dhaka North and South units, as well as from nearby districts. The demonstrators carried national flags, banners, festoons, and placards bearing slogans demanding workers’ rights and justice. They chanted in unison to voice their long-standing grievances and aspirations.

The rally is set to officially begin at 2 PM in front of the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the crowd as the chief guest, focusing on the current labour conditions and the broader political landscape. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with other top party and labour leaders, is also scheduled to speak.

A temporary stage has been assembled on trucks positioned in front of the BNP headquarters, where cultural performers have been entertaining the crowd with songs, helping maintain morale amid the day’s intense heat.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed optimism about the turnout. “On this historic day for workers’ rights, we believe the labouring masses will join us in protest against their ongoing hardships,” he said.

He also noted that the Sramik Dal had prepared leaflets, banners, and festoons highlighting 12 key demands ahead of the event.