Bangladesh's Main Opposition Party To Hold Rally On Wednesday

MOSCOW, Aug 7 (Bernama-Sputnik) -- The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's government, is set to hold a rally on Wednesday, the party has announced, reported Sputnik.

"(On) Aug 7, 2024, Wednesday at 2 o'clock (0800 GMT) in front of the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, a rally will be held under the initiative of Bangladesh Nationalist Party – BNP. Acting chairman of BNP, Tarique Rahman, will address the gathering as the chief guest. Besides, national leaders, including BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will also address the rally," the party said in a statement on Tuesday, which was later updated.

Party members along with members of affiliated organisations and "people from all walks of life" are requested to attend the gathering on time, the party added.

However, the statement does not mention whether party chief and former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, who was released from prison on Tuesday, will attend the rally.

The BNP's party platform largely focuses on support for the market economy, Islam, Bengali nationalism, anti-communism, and social reforms to alleviate poverty and modernise society. During Zia's two governments, from 1990 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006, Dhaka prioritised strengthening ties with Pakistan over cooperation with India.

On Monday, Hasina and her sister left the official residence in Dhaka for a safer place amid unrest. Media reported that she had resigned and fled to India, which was confirmed by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Protests began in Dhaka and across the country after the announcement of a multi-day "non-cooperation action" with the authorities, which was launched on Sunday by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Clashes between students, police and government supporters escalated into riots.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK