BNP to hold rally in Awami League stronghold Gopalganj after 19yrs

A festive atmosphere among BNP leaders and activists

The last major BNP rally in Gopalganj was held in 2004 The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to hold a public rally in Gopalganj on Monday, marking its first such gathering in the Awami League stronghold in 19 years.Extensive preparations are underway, creating a festive atmosphere among BNP leaders and activists.

The rally will take place at 10am at the municipal park's open stage in Gopalganj city, a district long dominated by the Awami League.The streets are adorned with banners, festoons, and arches featuring images of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

This marks a significant shift as BNP has not been able to hold major public processions or rallies in Gopalganj since the 2007 military-backed caretaker government.During the three consecutive terms of the Awami League, BNP’s activities in the area were largely limited to indoor discussions.

However, since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other opposition parties have been actively holding demonstrations and processions on highways — a sight unseen in the past 16 According to party insiders, the rally is part of BNP’s nationwide movement to press for various demands, including reducing commodity prices, improving law and order, and outlining plans for the next national election.

To ensure maximum turnout, BNP’s district, youth (Jubo Dal), student (Chhatra Dal), and volunteer (Swechchhasebak Dal) wings have been conducting preparatory meetings, campaigns, and leaflet distribution.The last major BNP rally in Gopalganj was held in 2004 when Tarique Rahman attended a Faridpur divisional union meeting at the Sheikh Kamal Cricket Stadium, which was later converted into a public gathering.

After nearly two decades, BNP leaders hope to gather 40,000 to 50,000 supporters for Monday’s rally.Sadar upazila BNP President Sikder Shahidul Islam said: "For 17 years, there was no democratic environment in the country. Due to the Awami League’s one-party rule and the administration's bias, BNP could not hold public programs. But after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s fascist government on August 5, democracy has been restored across Bangladesh. This rally in Gopalganj is part of that democratic movement, under the central BNP’s directive. Central leader Selimuzzaman Selim and others are guiding us to make the event a success. After years of suppression,

., BNPGopalganj district BNP Convener and freedom fighter Sharif Rafiquzzaman added: "In the past, the Awami League, backed by law enforcement, stifled any opposition voice. Since taking charge as convener, I have worked tirelessly to rebuild BNP in the face of Awami League’s repressive tactics. We expect at least 50,000 people to attend this peaceful rally, marking a new chapter for BNP in Gopalganj."