The student rally of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, has begun in the capital's Shahbagh area with a massive presence of leaders and activists from all over the country.
The rally formally started at 3:16pm on Sunday with the recitation from the Holy Quran, marking the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the event as a special guest, and the keynote address was delivered by the party's Student Affairs Secretary, Rakibul Islam Bakul.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the event virtually.
Roads around the Shahbagh intersection are crowded with JCD activists, causing traffic disruption in the adjoining areas.
They have already set up a large stage at Shahbagh intersection and installed loudspeakers for the rally.
Several projectors and big screens have also been installed at the venue.
A medical booth has been set up to provide basic healthcare services for those arriving at the venue.
Earlier, on Wednesday, JCD decided to move its planned student rally from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh, despite having secured permission for the original venue.
Speaking at a press conference at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib said the decision was made in response to a request from the National Citizen Party, which had also scheduled a rally at the same time and place.
As the rally at Shahbagh, a key intersection in Dhaka, is expected to cause traffic disruptions, the JCD President has apologised in advance to city residents for the inconvenience.
The JCD earlier announced a series of programmes marking the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising, with the August 3 student rally being one of the key events.
This is the first major public gathering by the BNP's student wing since the mass uprising last year.
However, unlike traditional rallies, this time there will be no processions, banners, or festoons.
In preparation for the event, the student wing has already issued six specific instructions to its activists.
The central leadership has directed participants not to bring any banners, festoons, or placards.
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