Dhaka, Aug 03 (V7N) – The student wing of the BNP, Chhatra Dal, has launched what it is calling the “largest student rally in history” at Shahbagh in the capital. The rally commenced shortly after 3:00 PM on Sunday with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem.

Top BNP leaders, including acting chairman Tarique Rahman (joining virtually), Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and several former presidents and general secretaries of Chhatra Dal, addressed the gathering around 3:15 PM. The rally marks the first major public event organized by Chhatra Dal since the July coup, drawing attention from across the political spectrum.

Despite its scale, the event broke with tradition. Notably absent were the usual processions, banners, festoons, and placards that typically characterize such political gatherings. This minimalist approach was a directive from the central leadership, which issued six-point instructions to maintain discipline and reduce visual political branding at the rally.

Chhatra Dal leaders claimed the event represents a new phase in their movement, focused on discipline, ideology, and strategic unity. The gathering drew a significant number of students and youth supporters, though in a controlled format in line with the new directives.

This comes amid heightened political tension in Dhaka and follows major developments in recent weeks, including the International Crimes Tribunal’s trial proceedings related to the July Genocide case.

Security around Shahbagh and Dhaka University was visibly tight, with a heavy deployment of police and plainclothes personnel. DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali had earlier assured the public of sufficient security and urged residents to remain calm amid rumors on social media.

As political observers monitor the rally’s implications, many are viewing this as a signal of Chhatra Dal’s revival and a test of BNP's youth mobilization capabilities in the post-July coup political landscape.

END/RH/AJ