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Published : 01 May 2026, 01:50 PM
Preparations have been completed for the ruling BNP's May Day rally in Dhaka's Naya Paltan.
Prime Minister and party chief Tarique Rahman is due to address the gathering, scheduled to begin at 2:30pm on Friday, as chief guest.
Nazrul Islam Khan, a BNP Standing Committee member and veteran labour leader, said all preparations had been completed despite bad weather.
“The stage is ready, and enough microphones have been installed across the rally venue,” he said.
He said Tarique's expected attendance has added to the significance of the event and expressed hope of a record turnout at the rally.
The programme has been organised by the BNP’s labour wing, Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal, and will be chaired by its chief, Anwar Hossain.
Anwar said workers from factories in districts around Dhaka would also join the event.
“We will begin the programme at 2:30pm. Workers from industrial establishments in Gazipur, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Munshiganj, Manikganj and other districts will take part in the rally,” he said.
With the prime minister due to attend, security personnel have been stationed since morning around the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan and nearby areas.
A large stage has been set up in front of the BNP headquarters, with a red carpet laid out.
Portraits of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Tarique have been placed on either side of the north-facing stage.
Organisers said more than 150 microphones had been installed in and around Fakirapool, Paltan, Kakrail and nearby areas.
This will be Tarique's first appearance at a workers’ rally since returning to the country on Dec 25 last year after around a decade and a half in London. He addressed the May Day rally virtually from London last year.
The rally has generated visible enthusiasm among leaders and activists, many of whom arrived carrying red caps, T-shirts, banners and drums.
Since morning, party leaders and activists have been arriving at the rally venue in small processions, turning the area lively with applause and slogans.
Heavy rain had left water on roads in Naya Paltan in the morning, but it had drained away before noon.
