On the occasion of International Workers' Day, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the country’s major political forces, has organized a large-scale workers’ rally in the capital. Though the main program is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM on Thursday (May 1), BNP activists and supporters from across the country started gathering at the venue near the party’s central office in Naya Paltan from early morning. The atmosphere is being energized with patriotic and protest songs performed by cultural activists affiliated with the party.

As part of the official program, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to join virtually as the chief guest. Other key figures such as the party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members including Mirza Abbas will also address the gathering.

Ahead of the main speeches, performers from the BNP-affiliated cultural wing, JASAS (Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha), are delivering musical performances to inspire the crowd. Organizers hope that this rally, taking place in a politically charged post-July movement environment, will help generate new momentum among the country’s working class in asserting their rights.