United News of Bangladesh

Despite decades of pledges to ensure women’s political empowerment, the upcoming national election paints a starkly different picture, with female representation on the ballot remaining alarmingly low. The election will see participation from registered 51 political parties, yet more than 30 of them, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have failed to nominate even a single woman candidate in the 13th parliamentary election, raising fresh concerns over gender inclusion in national politics. Of the 2,568 nomination papers submitted for the election, only 109 were filed by women—just 4.24 per cent of the total, according to data reviewed by UNB. After scrutiny, the Election Commission (EC) has validated 1,842 candidates, including 1,779 men and only 63 women, meaning women make up just 3.4 percent of the final candidates. What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins Later, 417 candidates regained their candidacies after appealing to the Election Commission. January 20 was the last day for the withdrawal of candidacies. According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 1,981 candidates, including 80 women, are contesting the 13th national parliamentary election, with women making up only 4.04% of the total. Meanwhile, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) noted that women make up only 3.38% of party-affiliated candidates, while the share is 10% among independent candidates. While the world embraces music education, Bangladesh seen stepping backwards According to EC data, the upcoming election will have 12 crore 77 lacs 11 thousand 793 registered voters, including 64 crore 8 lacs 25 thousand 361 men, 62 crore 8 lacs 85 thousand 200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters. Legal framework and previous elections Under Section 22(ka)-(gha) of the July 2025 National Consensus Ordinance, every political party was to nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in the parliamentary election, gradually increasing to 33 percent in future polls. But the ordinance has not yet been implemented, making the rule effectively non-binding. 288 BNP, 224 Jamaat candidates in Bangladesh election race Historical participation has remained low. According to Transparency International Bangladesh, women candidates accounted for 3.51 percent (55 women) in 2008, 5.55 percent (30 women) in 2014, and just 0.81 percent (73 women) in 2018. In the 12th Jatiya Sangsad, 20 women were elected, representing 6.67 percent, the highest in four consecutive parliaments. In the 9th Jatiya Sangsad, women lawmakers accounted for 3.32 percent, in the 10th Jatiya Sangsad 6.55 percent, and in the 11th Jatiya Sangsad just 3.68 percent. Party-wise breakdown Of the 51 parties contesting, only few fielded women aspirants. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had nominated women for the highest 15 constituencies but now has 10 valid women candidates following scrutiny and withdrawal, after the rejection of Fatema Khanam’s nomination (Natore-3) and non-scrutiny of three nominations of Khaleda Zia. Other women candidates nominated by political parties include: 9 from Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Marxist, 6 each from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh, 5 each from Ganasamhati Andolan and Jatiya Party, 3 each from Ganaodhikar Parishad (GOP), National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from mass uprising, nominated only three women out of its 44 candidates. Election 2026: 1967 candidates left standing after withdrawals, highest since 2008 Others including AB Party, 2 each from Gong Forum and Biplobi Workers Party, 1 each from Bangladesh Muslim League, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basosd, Bangladesh Republican Party, National People’s Party (NPP), Aamjanatar Dal, Islami Front Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Labour Party, nominated female candidates. During scrutiny, several women aspirants lost candidacy: three from Basad, and one each from Jatiya Party, Ganasamhati Andolan, Biplabi Workers Party, AB Party, NPP, and Bangladesh Labour Party. Human trafficking, instability erode global trust in Bangladesh’s passports Among 37 independent women aspirants, only six nominations were declared valid: Sabina Yasmin (Natore-2), Dr. Tasnim Zara (Dhaka-9), Meherjan Ara Talukdar (Jamalpur-4), Akhtar Sultana (Mymensingh-6), Tahmina Zaman (Netrakona-4), and Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2). Among the parties, 276 aspirants from Jamaat-e-Islami, 268 from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, 224 from Jatiya Party, 104 from Gano Odhikar Parishad, 94 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and other smaller parties, each with fewer than 40 aspirants, also have no female candidates. Potential impact In a recent report, the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted that out of 51 political parties contesting the upcoming general election, 30 have not nominated a single woman candidate. The report highlighted that one of Bangladesh’s major parties, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has not fielded any women candidates in the constituencies where it is contesting. While Bangladesh has previously had two female prime ministers and witnessed significant participation of women in the student-led movements of 2024, HRW noted that women in the country are still largely deprived of the right to participate meaningfully in politics. Telling again, no uncertainty over election: Press Secretary Political parties must be held accountable for failing to nominate at least five percent women candidates in the upcoming national election despite pledging to do so under the July National Charter, said the Women’s Political Rights Forum (FWPR). The forum urged political parties to treat women’s nomination as a constitutional obligation rather than a token gesture and called for structural reforms to integrate women into leadership roles and ensure a gender-responsive political system. At a press conference titled “Nomination Crisis of Women Candidates: Gap between Parties’ Commitments and Implementation and the Accountability of the Election Commission” held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, forum leaders expressed concern over women’s extremely low participation. Forum leader Reetu Satter readout a written speech in the press conference where she said the women had prominent roles in the uprising of July in 2024, but women candidates were deprived of getting party nominations for Jatiya Sangsad. Forum leader Samina Yasmin said women voters constitute nearly 50 percent, or possibly more, of the electorate. “If women make up 51 percent of voters, our next critical task is to raise awareness about women’s rights, organize them, and ensure their active political participation. Is it realistic to come to power by excluding 51 percent of the population and relying on the remaining 49 percent? This is a fundamental question,” she said. Confusion clouds Shammo murder probe as key suspect remains elusive Samina said the forum is trying to work directly and indirectly with women leaders who are contesting the election and actively campaigning. “We are observing what kinds of challenges they are facing, how they are addressing them and what effective pathways could be developed to tackle these challenges in the future.” Despite widespread discussions on women’s rights, the number of female candidates in this election remains alarmingly low, forcing a serious reassessment of the situation, Samina added. Meanwhile, the Social Resistance Committee, a platform of 71 organizations working on women, human rights, and development issues, has expressed concern over the low number of women candidates in the upcoming election. In a statement, the committee said that given the prevailing misogynistic culture in society, women are hesitant to contest as independent candidates. It described this as a reflection of the patriarchal political culture and a strategy to maintain male-dominated politics. Highlighting the need for women’s visible participation in elections and politics, the Social Resistance Committee urged all political parties and the Election Commission to ensure women’s equal participation in political decision-making and governance, emphasizing that this is essential for building a democratic and equitable society.

The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, officially inaugurated his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on Thursday afternoon. The campaign kicked off with a massive public rally held at Adarsha High School in Mirpur-10, part of the Dhaka-15 (Mirpur-Kafrul) constituency. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Jamaat chief signaled the start of a nationwide movement for the party. The atmosphere in Mirpur was electric from the morning, as thousands of supporters arrived in processions, carrying the party’s election symbol, the "Scale" (Daripalla). By midday, the venue and surrounding areas were packed to capacity, decorated extensively with banners and festoons, which are now legal for a limited period. The rally was attended by several prominent leaders of Jamaat and of parties in its alliance, including Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Vice President and Spokesperson of JAGPA, Advocate Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Executive Council member and candidate for Dhaka-12. Also seen were some of the high profile Jamaat candidates from Dhaka, Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Dhaka-14), Colonel (Retd.) Abdul Baten (Dhaka-16), and Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman (Dhaka-17). The event was presided over by Abdur Rahman Musa, the seat coordinator and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat's Dhaka North City unit, while former Chhatrashibir President Zahidul Islam moderated the session. Dr. Saif Khan, son of the late Abdul Hannan Khan, delivered the opening speech. Local leaders, including Abdul Matin Khan and Anwarul Karim, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing a festive yet determined start to their electoral journey.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged all concerned to unite and work for the success of the upcoming election and the country, irrespective of victory or defeat in the election, scheduled for February 12. “We must hold a fair election under any circumstances. Please inform us of any urgent information, complaint or opinion related to the election. We will immediately bring it to the attention of the Election Commission. If the government needs to take any action, we will do so,” he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks when a four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met him in the evening. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman led the delegation at the meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Mia Golam Parwar and Rafiqul Islam Khan were present. Advisers Dr Wahid Uddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan attended the meeting. Chinese envoy meets Jamaat Ameer “This election and the referendum must be held successfully. No matter what anyone says, the election will be held on February 12. This will not be a random election. It is the collective responsibility of the government, the Election Commission and political parties to ensure a fair and festive electoral atmosphere. We seek the cooperation of all political parties in this regard,” the Chief Adviser said. Various election-related issues were discussed during the meeting. The Jamaat leaders said their election campaign would begin in full swing from January 22 and that the party had already started campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in the referendum. They said two campaigns would run simultaneously from that date. The Jamaat leaders also drew the Chief Adviser’s attention to several election-related concerns, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Regarding election security, Prof Yunus said polling centres would soon be brought under CCTV surveillance, with most centres to be covered. The installations are expected to be completed by late January. He said officials at sensitive centres would be equipped with body cameras, and all activities would be monitored from a central control room. The footage would be recorded to allow immediate action in case of any untoward incident.  

Supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven allied political parties have gathered at Paltan in the capital to press their previously announced five-point demand. The rally is scheduled to begin at 2 pm. The decision to hold the rally was announced on November 3 at a press conference by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque. Leaders present at the press briefing included Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Charmonai Pir), Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Prof Ashraf Ali Akon, Jamaat leaders Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Nizami Islam Party’s Mufti Harun Izhar, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalal Uddin, Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) spokesperson Rashed Pradhan. Supporters of Jamaat, allies gather at Paltan to push for 5-point demand The five-point demand focuses on the implementation of the July Charter and related electoral reforms. The five demands are issuing an order to hold a referendum before the national election over the July National Charter, introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in the upper or both houses, ensuring a level playing field for all parties during the election, ensuring visible justice for all acts of repression, killings, and corruption committed by the previous  government and banning the activities of  Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance. On November 6, Jamaat-e-Islami and seven allied parties submitted a five-point memorandum to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, seeking the implementation of the July Charter and calling for a national referendum ahead of the next general election scheduled for February. Read more: Police intercept Jamaat, Islami Andolon procession near Matsya Bhaban

Police obstructed a Jamuna-bound procession brought out by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh and seven other like-minded parties at Matsya Bhaban intersection on Thursday (6th November 2025) noon. The procession was organised to press home their several demands, including holding a national referendum in November. Later, police allowed a delegation from the rally to go to Jamuna. The delegation is supposed to submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser on the referendum and four other points.   Earlier, leaders and activists of the parities brought out a procession from the capital’s Paltan intersection to submit a memorandum to the Chief Adviser at his Jamuna residence. Jamaat now wants referendum any day before election: Azad The march, led by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, began gathering at Paltan intersection around 10:30am, with leaders and activists from different thanas and wards of Dhaka South carrying banners and festoons. Activists from other Islamic parties also joined the assembly at Paltan. Their demands are holding the referendum within this month, stopping political harassment and arrests during the interim government period, ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties in the upcoming election, and guaranteeing freedom of religion and unhindered political activities. Following the rally, the procession started towards Jamuna around 12 noon to submit the memorandum to the Chief Adviser. Read more: Jamaat not to form any election alliance: Ameer Shafiqur Meanwhile, additional police were deployed in Paltan area to avert any untoward situation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday (5th November 2025) said they would not form any alliance for the upcoming national election, as it will contest the polls independently. Shafiqur made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Wednesday morning. The party will ensure the elections are held in February 2026 with the participation of everyone. If elections are delayed, it may lead to various forms of unrest, he said. Read more: Jamaat asks EC to be ready for separate referendum, polls days Regarding the electoral alliances, he said, “We have not decided to form any alliance, and we will not form one,” he said, adding that there is no scope for the Awami League in the upcoming election. Speaking about his recent foreign visit, Rahman said he met with Bangladeshi expatriates abroad, who expressed immense warmth and love. “I am deeply moved by their affection. They have high expectations from the nation and want to contribute to its rebuilding. Yet, despite their significant contributions, we have not been able to show them proper respect,” he said. It was his first visit to Sylhet after being elected Ameer of the party for the third term. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday, in an oblique reference, accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of siding with a vested quarter trying to create political unrest and obstruct the next national election. “We are suspecting that this political party (Jamaat) is working in support of forces trying to make the political situation volatile, create instability and delay or even derail the next parliamentary election,” he said while speaking at a discussion. The BNP leader warned that if the election is delayed or foiled, fascism will rise again which will inevitably lead to the emergence of undemocratic forces. “Do we want that? Of course not,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said his party believes Jamaat is working in favour of those who want to destabilise the country and obstruct the election, as the Islamist party has taken to the streets with unjustified demands, including the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) system in the next election. Salahuddin said even a political party that is now talking about the PR system took part in the one-sided election. “They’re now promoting the activities of the Awami League.” The National Democratic Party (NDP) arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking its 36th founding anniversary. Salahuddin reiterated BNP’s stance against the PR system, saying it would push the country into instability and political turmoil. He said if the election is held under the PR system, governments would change so often that people’s expectations would never be fulfilled, and no party would be able to carry out its political pledges. “We must not allow Bangladesh to fall into such an unstable and uncertain situation by adopting this arrangement.” The BNP leader said conflicting survey results about PR should not be used to mislead the public. “I urge those political parties who are putting their own interests above the nation’s welfare and sacrificing the interests of the country and its people for political gain to return to the right path for the sake of the people of Bangladesh and stop confusing the public,” he said. Under a PR system, the BNP leader said, independent candidates would lose their rights as they would not be able to contest elections because people would vote for parties and symbols, not individuals. “Voters would not even know who they are voting for. Do we want a system that does not protect the democratic rights of the people of Bangladesh, or one that people cannot understand? Of course not. So, no party should try to mislead the nation by talking about the PR system,” he said. Salahuddin said Article 65(2) of the Constitution clearly states that Parliament shall consist of 300 members elected in accordance with the law from single territorial constituencies by direct election. Even then, he said, Jamaat leaders are claiming that the Constitution does not specifically mention anything about the election system. Salahuddin said BNP and other democratic parties have been struggling over the past 16 years to restore and exercise the democratic rights of the people. “We are eagerly waiting to exercise those rights. We must ensure they are implemented. By exercising the right to vote, Bangladesh’s democratic journey will move forward.’ Entire world supports Bangladesh’s democratic transition: Mirza Fakhrul He also said those elected to the next parliament must remain accountable and committed to implementing the reform programmes agreed upon through the National Consensus Commission. The BNP leader warned that their party would never give in to the ill motives of any political party. Salahuddin said no one has the right to change the Constitution without following a legal and constitutional process. “If we do so, it will create a bad precedent and lead to repeated demands for such changes in the future.” “The state is not a child’s game. We cannot play with the fate of 180 million people. The country must be run in a lawful and systematic way. We can never bow to the motives of any political party. The will of the people is final — they are the true owners of this republic,” he observed. Speaking about the proposed July Charter, Salahuddin said people could express their opinion through a referendum held on the same day as the national election. “If people say yes, then the newly elected parliament will have the mandate to implement that charter.” He criticised any move to impose constitutional changes immediately through unconstitutional means, saying, “The Constitution is not something that can be changed overnight just because someone wishes to.” Recalling the history of Bangladesh’s birth, Salahuddin said that when there was no constitution and the country was forced into war, the elected representatives at the time formed the Constituent Assembly and issued the Proclamation of Independence. “They declared before the people that they had formed the Constituent Assembly and authorised the formation of the offices of President, Vice-President, and Cabinet to run the state on behalf of the people,” he said. The BNP leader said the administration governed the country and issued all laws through presidential orders as part of a legitimate process. “Later, the Constitution was framed, and elections were held under it. Since then, the constitutional process has continued properly without irregularities. So far, the Constitution has been amended 17 times, and there may be an 18th amendment in the future,” he said. Salahuddin said they have always maintained that any changes made through national consensus must follow a lawful and constitutional path. “We hope the issues on which everyone has agreed, even with some differences, can be finalised through a valid and lawful process.” He expressed hope that discussions on the proposed national charter, set for 5 October, would result in a fair, lawful, and widely accepted process of constitutional reform.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has completed selecting candidates for contesting in all 300 constituencies in the upcoming national elections, announced the party’s secretary general and former MP Mia Golam Parwar on Friday. “Every Jamaat worker must now go on the ground and work with full strength,” he said. He made the remarks while addressing a reunion of former members of Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Khulna Metropolitan unit as a chief guest. The reunion was held at Al Faruk Society auditorium in Khulna. EC devises strategy to curb AI, social media misuse ahead of elections The Jamaat leader said it is high time to send the principles of deen into parliament. Those who were once involved in student politics must now become active again and play their role for the country. The reunion brought together ICS activists since 1977. Parwar recalled memories and contributions of late Shibir leaders, describing their sacrifices as ‘a shining chapter in political history.’ Shibir central secretary general Nurul Islam Saddam presented the keynote paper. The current president of ICS’s Khulna Metropolitan, Arafat Hossain Milon, presided over the event. Jamaat leaders Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Prof Mahfuzur Rahman also attended the reunion as special guests.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of ‘working with fallen fascist forces’ and criticised its opportunistic political role over the years. “Some parties are thinking of working with fascists or befriending them. Have they learnt nothing from history? In our country, I believe an Islamist political party has continuously worked to satisfy the Awami League,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. He reminded that it was BNP founder Ziaur Rahman who allowed the previously banned Jamaat to participate in Bangladesh politics. “But there have never been any of their meetings or programmes where they did not criticise Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, in strong language instead of supporting him… We have seen them stand with the Awami League and act in line with its decisions in every instance,” the BNP leader said. Citing examples, he said Jamaat joined the 1986 polls alongside the Awami League and also took part in violent street movements with them during the agitation for a caretaker government. “They were also involved in killings at that time in different places. At Rajshahi University, they (Chhatra Shibir) killed Chhatra Dal leader Tito during the 1995–96 movement,” Rizvi said. He also claimed that Jamaat forced BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to participate in the 2008 election against her will, threatening to leave the alliance and join the polls independently. “Now again they have shown their true face, seeking to rehabilitate the Awami League and improve ties with India. We must also remember that this party has pampered a bloodthirsty monster like Sheikh Hasina, who killed her own people,” he the BNP leader said. No compromise with Awami League, reaffirms Rizvi The BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina established fascism in her style by destroying democracy and repressing and killing people to cling to power permanently. “There is no scope for a return or revival of that fascism in Bangladesh.” He said the people of Bangladesh are democratic, moderate and religious-minded, but they want to speak without fear. “Even if they eat less, they want their voices to be heard. If anyone thinks of forcing a new stream of fascism on the people of this country, the people will not allow it.” Referring to reported audio documents submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal, Rizvi said it is now clear that Sheikh Hasina directly gave orders for shootings and arson while protesters were falsely blamed. “The leaked phone conversations are shocking. Anyone who hears them will be shaken. We who fought for democracy and endured jail, remand and torture saw the brutality of Sheikh Hasina. Now we are seeing even deeper horrors — how she pushed movements towards disastrous consequences. Helicopter firing, arson attacks on government buildings, even the fire at the metro rail station — all these, we now see from those calls, happened under her direct orders,” he alleged. Smear campaigns being carried out to eliminate BNP: Rizvi The BNP leader warned that if fascist forces rise again, pro-democracy activists will face severe consequences. Rizvi also raised questions about the activities of some advisers of the interim government. “Today’s media reports say adviser Sajib Bhuiyan allocated the highest amount — nearly Tk 2,500 crore — for his own area. This is discriminatory and politically motivated. People fear he is using his position to prepare for becoming an MP in the future.” He also criticised reports that some top civil servants are showing loyalty to a particular political party and using their positions for political ambitions. “It is sad, against transparency, and immoral if senior officials or advisers use their posts for political gain,” he added.

Suhrawardy Udyan turned into a sea of people by midday on Saturday as Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is holding its first-ever solo national rally at the historic venue, drawing tens of thousands of leaders, activists and supporters from across the country. The much-hyped gathering marks a significant political moment for the party since the country’s independence, as it seeks to reassert its presence ahead of the upcoming national election. The rally, scheduled to officially begin at 2:00pm, party Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman in the chair. Jamaat’s key demands at the rally include ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections with a level playing field, initiating fundamental political reforms, introducing the July charter and adopting a proportional representation (PR) system for national elections. Crowds began gathering at the venue from Thursday night, with early arrivals performing their Fajr prayers at the field. On Saturday morning, large processions of Jamaat members were spotted marching from various parts of Dhaka towards Suhrawardy Udyan, chanting slogans in support of the rally. Many activists were also seen crowding the city’s metro rail network. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami members distributed flyers following Jumma prayers on Friday in front of mosques across the country, including in the capital, to mobilise further public support. At a press conference on Thursday, party leaders announced that they had invited representatives from other political parties, including the BNP, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NCP), and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, to attend and speak at the rally. Jamaat’s 'National Rally': Activists march towards Suhrawardy Udyan The event comes at a politically tense time, following the recent attack on an NCP rally in Gopalganj, allegedly by ruling Awami League activists and its banned student wing, Chhatra League. The rally began at 9:40am on Saturday with a cultural programme hosted by Saifullah Mansur and conducted by the Saimum Cultural Group, featuring performers from various divisions. Even before the official commencement, the field was reportedly full, with some senior leaders taking refuge in the adjacent Ramna Park due to the overflow of attendees. UNB correspondents on the ground noted signs of discomfort among participants due to the heat, with several individuals reportedly falling ill. Groups of attendees were seen resting under trees in Ramna Park to escape the scorching sun. Jamaat claims this is the largest solo political gathering in its history. After nearly a month of preparation, the party estimated that over one million people would attend. While Jamaat had previously joined joint rallies at Suhrawardy Udyan alongside the BNP, this marks its first major solo political demonstration at the historic venue. Positioning the rally as a prelude to the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, Jamaat leaders are calling for “national unity” and the establishment of a “welfare state.” Dr Shafiqur Rahman is expected to deliver a speech urging unity based on a seven-point demand. To accommodate the massive turnout and ensure basic services, organisers have set up over 500 temporary toilets, 1,000 water taps, 15 medical booths, 15 parking zones, and thousands of chairs at the venue. Around 6,000 volunteers have been deployed for logistics and security duties. 2 Jamaat leaders killed in road accident on way to Dhaka rally Besides, more than 400 loudspeakers and over 50 giant LED screens have been installed at major points of Dhaka to broadcast the event. Thousands of Jamaat supporters have travelled to the capital in buses, trains and launches. The party has issued a public apology for any traffic congestion or temporary inconveniences caused by the gathering.