BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir once again called for national unity while addressing a rally titled “Establishing Youth’s Political Rights” at the Polo Ground in Chattogram on Saturday. Although he did not elaborate on the call, the event was jointly organized by the BNP’s youth affiliates—Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal.

Fakhrul noted that simultaneous rallies were being held in Dhaka with a clear demand: banning the Awami League. He claimed that 180 million people no longer support the party and accused it of establishing fascism and reviving BAKSAL. He credited Ziaur Rahman with initiating reforms such as press freedom and laying the economic foundation through the garments sector, and said Khaleda Zia introduced the caretaker government system. “People forget too easily when foreigners arrive and talk big,” he remarked.

Calling the current time an “abnormal” and “critical” period, Fakhrul alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled the country and left behind “ghosts” conspiring to re-establish their rule. “Will their plot succeed? No, it won’t,” he declared.

Thousands of leaders and activists from 13 districts of Chattogram Division gathered for the first divisional rally of its kind. Despite the scorching heat, crowds spilled over into surrounding areas, causing traffic disruptions throughout the afternoon and evening. The event featured speeches, poetry recitations, and musical performances, with attendees arriving by bus and truck accompanied by instruments and party slogans.

Fakhrul claimed that over the past 15 years, millions have faced repression, thousands of youths have lost their lives, and more than 60 lakh people have been falsely charged. He accused the government of killing 20,000 people and disappearing 1,700. He emphasized that Tarique Rahman remains in exile and that Khaleda Zia was imprisoned for six years. He praised the youth for resisting this oppression and stated that Tarique’s aim is to protect national sovereignty at all costs. He also called for martyred activist Wasim Akram’s name to be added to the government’s official list of martyrs.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, speaking as a special guest, said that the political winds of elections are blowing and cannot be obstructed. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to forming a national government if elected and implementing its 31-point reform agenda.

The rally was presided over by Swechchhasebak Dal president S.M. Zilani and moderated by Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Rajib Ahsan and Chhatra Dal’s Nasir Uddin Nasir. Other prominent attendees included Chattogram City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Barrister Mir Helal, and leaders from Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal.

At one point, former national cricket captain and Chattogram native Tamim Iqbal made a surprise appearance on stage, sparking excitement among attendees. Expressing joy at seeing so many young people gathered, he delivered a brief speech and ended with, “We’ll meet again.”