Victims of enforced disappearances, DSA seek justice at BNP's youth rally
Victims of enforced disappearances and those jailed under the Digital Security Act (DSA) sought justice for their suffering during the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's youth rally at the capital's Suhrawardy Udyan today.
Speaking at the pre-announced rally this afternoon of the BNP's affiliated organisations pressing home their "one-point movement", missing Jubo Dal leader Noor-A-Alam's wife said, "I want to find my husband. My children are waiting for the day to see their father's face once more."
Another missing person Sajedul Islam Sumon's sister Sanjida Akhtar Tuli said, "This government has disappeared my brother. Families of those who are missing or have been killed are on the streets today. I will return home once we get justice for every missing person."
Among others, also present at the rally – organised by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and Sechchasebak Dal – Journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol, who went missing and was later jailed under the DSA, said, "For a long time, my hands, feet, and eyes were tied…I want freedom for journalism, and freedom of speech. I want freedom to write and speak."
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will address the programme as the chief guest and give the youth various directions to intensify the ongoing "one-point movement".
The adjoining areas were filled with BNP activists before the programme began.
Before the programme started, the stage collapsed when Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal president Sultan Salahuddin Tuku was speaking to formally open the rally around 1:50pm.
They were seen chanting slogans demanding Sheikh Hasina's resignation, dissolution of parliament and establishment of a caretaker government in view of their "one-point movement".
Numerous banners, festoons and posters have been hung around the rally ground.
"Our youth rally will be with the youngsters deprived of voting rights and jobs. Already we have successfully held youth rallies in five divisions. BNP's movement is not to get power. BNP is protesting to return people's right to vote and freedom of speech," Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal President Sultan Salauddin Tuku said at a press conference on Friday.
He also called on everyone to come to the streets unitedly against the government.
Chhatra Dal central General Secretary Saif Mahmud Jewel said, "Under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Chhatra Dal continues to motivate the young generation across the country. We will achieve one-point demand through peaceful movements."
Three wings of the BNP announced to hold the youth rally in the six divisions of the country to encourage young voters to participate in the party's ongoing movement to restore democracy.
Programmes were held in the Chattogram , Rajshahi and Rangpur Division.