Massive crowd gathers at Nayapaltan for May Day

A massive crowd gathered at Nayapaltan in the capital on Friday as the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal held its May Day workers’ rally, with Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman attending as the chief guest.

Although the formal programme was scheduled to begin at 2:30pm, workers from Dhaka and nearby industrial areas started arriving from the morning, ignoring rain, waterlogging and intense heat.

Labourers from Gazipur, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Munshiganj and Manikganj joined the rally carrying banners, festoons and drums, turning the area from Nayapaltan to Kakrail and Notre Dame College into a packed gathering point.

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A large decorated stage was set up in front of the BNP central office, while patriotic and revolutionary songs performed by JASAS artists added to the atmosphere.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the gathering could become one of the largest labour rallies in recent history, especially with Tarique Rahman attending in person after years abroad.

Strict security measures were taken around the venue, with police, RAB, BGB, DB and intelligence personnel deployed to maintain order and ensure safety during the event.