JCD, NCP to hold back-to-back rallies today

Abu Jakir :

Dhaka is set to host two significant political gatherings today as the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and the National Citizens Party (NCP) hold separate rallies to mark the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.

Both events are expected to attract large crowds, prompting the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to issue special traffic advisories.

In a notification signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali on Saturday, residents and commuters were urged to avoid Shahbagh, the Central Shaheed Minar, and Suhrawardy Udyan between 12 noon and 6 pm, the scheduled hours for the rallies.

The JCD, the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will stage a major demonstration at Shahbagh intersection from midday until 6 pm, commemorating the anniversary of the anti-government
protests that took place last year. This is expected to be one of the group’s largest rallies since the upheaval.

To maintain order, JCD’s central leadership has issued six strict guidelines for participants, including prohibitions on banners, placards, personal confrontations, and unauthorised marches.

Activists are required to remain within designated zones, facilitate emergency vehicle access between Katabon and Hotel Intercontinental, and ensure the rally site is cleared before dispersing.

“No unit will be permitted to bring vehicles onto Dhaka University grounds,” a statement from JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir emphasised, calling for full adherence to the rules.

Concurrently, the National Citizens Party will hold a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar from 3 pm to 6 pm. During the event, the party will unveil its “Vision for a New Bangladesh” and call on the government to formally announce the July Charter.

Speaking at a press conference, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam described the rally as a continuation of the movement launched from the same location last year. “We began our call for regime change from Shaheed Minar on 3 August last year. Tomorrow, we will present a clear national vision,” he stated.

The party also criticised the government for not clarifying the implementation timeline for the July Charter and demanded its formal declaration by 5 August.

Adding to the expected crowd, the Saimum Cultural Group continues its four-day “July Jagoron” festival at Suhrawardy Udyan, running daily from 10 am to 10 pm through 4 August. The overlap of these three events is anticipated to significantly increase public footfall across central Dhaka.

In response to anticipated congestion, the DMP has announced alternative traffic routes. Motorists who usually travel through Shahbagh, Nilkhet, and neighbouring roads are advised to use diversion routes via Hare Road, Minto Road, Hatirpool, and the High Court area, depending on their direction of travel.

The police specifically urged candidates for Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), equivalent examinations, and Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exams to start their journeys early to avoid delays.

“Due to heavy gatherings, traffic movement through Shahbagh crossing will be impossible,” the notice warned, urging the public to avoid the Shahbagh, Shaheed Minar, and Suhrawardy Udyan areas during the afternoon.

As Dhaka prepares for a day of political activity amid significant logistical challenges, law enforcement has called on rally organisers and the public alike to maintain discipline and ensure a peaceful environment.