Staff Correspondent:

Thousands of leaders, activists, and supporters of the BNP and its affiliated wings — Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal — gathered at the Railway Polo Ground in Chattogram on  Saturday (May 10 ) for a major youth rally aimed at mobilising young voters and demanding political rights for the youth.

Despite the scorching summer heat, enthusiastic crowds began arriving at the venue in processions from various parts of the city and surrounding upazilas from early morning. By the afternoon, the Polo Ground was packed, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the rally as the chief guest, while Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury was also present and addressed the crowd around 5:45pm.

BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman joined the event virtually from London.

Participants from all 99 upazilas of Chattogram, including the metropolitan city, joined the rally in large numbers. The surrounding areas, particularly from Tiger Pass to Kadamtali, experienced severe traffic disruptions due to the influx of people.

Supporters from all walks of life —students, workers, and professionals— joined the gathering, many arriving on foot, buses, or trucks, while some marched in with drums and chants.

A large group congregated at the Tiger Pass intersection before forming a massive procession toward the rally venue.

Former president of Chattogram Metropolitan Jubo Dal, Mosharraf Hossain Dipti, said, “Our primary goal is to engage and motivate one crore young voters by placing youth at the forefront of our movement. We aim to ensure their participation in politics, the economy, business, and industrial development.”

Former general secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan Jubo Dal, Mohammad Shahed, added, “For the past few weeks, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal have been campaigning extensively in every ward of the city, and the youth response has been overwhelming.”

Although the rally focused on the political empowerment of youth, it also showcased the BNP’s organisational strength and its growing appeal among the younger generation.

TAMIM IQBAL APPEARS AT BNP YOUTH RALLY

Former Bangladesh national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal appears at the BNP’s youth rally in Chattogram on Saturday.

He took the stage at around 4:15pm, drawing significant attention from attendees.

Following his appearance, Tamim was seen seated alongside senior BNP leaders, including Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Jubo Dal Central Executive Committee President Abdul Monayem Munna.

Also present on the stage were BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Central Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib.