Walking on foot at the head of thousands of supporters, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday turned National Revolution and Solidarity Day into a show of strength and a warning, vowing that the people would again give a “crushing response” to any conspiracy against Bangladesh’s democracy and sovereignty.
He warned that a group was once again conspiring to undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty and revive the culture of “dummy elections,” but stated that the people would deliver a strong response, just as they had done in 1971, 1975, and 1990.
Tarique made the remarks during a brief rally in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, which marked National Revolution and Solidarity Day. He subsequently led a colorful procession from Naya Paltan to Manik Mia Avenue, walking alongside party leaders and activists.
Warning that conspiracies persist, the prime minister stated that hostile forces are once again attempting to undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty and seek to restore a system of "dummy elections."
“Just as we did in 1971, in 1990 and on November 7, 1975, we want to give them a crushing response once again,” he added. “Let today’s November 7 procession be the day we fulfil that expectation. Let this procession be a day to protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.”
Referring to the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, Tarique stated that the students and people had not only restored the country’s independence and sovereignty but had also driven the autocratic forces and conspirators out of power.
“Just as those forces were defeated on November 7, 1975, they were defeated again on August 5, 2024, through a movement involving the people,” he said.
The prime minister stated that a nation capable of achieving independence in 1971, staging the Sepoy-People’s Revolution in 1975, and bringing about the mass uprising in 2024 could never be subdued through conspiracies.
Tarique urged people to come forward to safeguard the democracy that, he said, had been established through the sacrifices of people during the mass uprising of August 5, 2024.
"Let us bring together all democracy-loving people of Bangladesh. Whether a conspiracy originates inside the country or outside it, we will collectively respond to all such attempts," he stated.
He added that no conspiracy could suppress the people who believe in democracy.
Addressing thousands of party leaders and activists gathered in Naya Paltan, he asked: “Are you with us?” The crowd responded with applause and slogans.
Highlighting the significance of November 7, the prime minister stated that the day represented national unity, the protection of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and the freedom of expression of its people.
He also reiterated the slogan: “Not Delhi, not Pindi, nor any other country. Bangladesh comes first, Bangladesh for all.”
“Let us begin our revolution today,” he said.
Following his speech, Tarique joined the procession at approximately 3:30 p.m., leading thousands of party leaders and activists on foot.
The procession began in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan and moved through the Kakrail intersection, the road adjacent to the chief justice’s residence, the Ramna Park area, the Hotel InterContinental intersection, Bangla Motor, Farmgate, and Indira Road, ultimately arriving at Manik Mia Avenue at approximately 4:30 pm.
The prime minister walked the entire six-kilometer route alongside party leaders and activists. He wore a white half-sleeved shirt, grey trousers and navy-blue sneakers.
Thousands of people stood on both sides of the streets to catch a glimpse of Tarique, while many others gathered on the rooftops and balconies of nearby buildings. Tarique responded to their greetings with smiles and waves.
Leaders of Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal led the procession from the front. They were followed by senior BNP leaders, cabinet members, and activists from the party's associate organizations.
Atikur Rahman Rumon, additional press secretary to the prime minister, described Tarique’s continuous six-kilometer walk as an unprecedented event in Bangladesh’s political history. He stated that the procession would inspire people in the journey toward rebuilding democracy.
Rumon also recalled that BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman had walked long distances while participating in canal excavation programs. He stated that Tarique maintained the same pace throughout the procession and encouraged other leaders to keep walking.
Beginning around 12 noon on Saturday, BNP leaders and activists from various parts of Dhaka and surrounding districts started gathering in Naya Paltan in small processions. As the day progressed, the area grew increasingly crowded, with thousands of party leaders, activists, and supporters assembling along the stretch from the Kakrail intersection to Fakirerpool.
Many participants carried the national flag and placards featuring portraits of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The colorful procession featured participants wearing caps and T-shirts of various colors, alongside banners and festoons. The streets echoed with diverse slogans.
BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain attended the program, alongside Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and other senior leaders.
Other participants included BNP Vice-Chairmen Nurul Islam Moni and Ahmed Aazam Khan, adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon, Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Publicity Secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku.
Tarique returned to Bangladesh on December 25, 2025, following approximately 17 years in London. Since his return, he has addressed several public rallies and political gatherings. However, Saturday’s program marked his participation in a BNP procession held on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Why it matters
The event highlights the government's political mobilization strategy and underscores official warnings against perceived threats to national sovereignty.