The country's two major political parties, the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), are set to take to the streets today (Saturday) with parallel programs.

The BNP and its allies will rally in front of the party headquarters in Nayapaltan at 3:00 p.m., demanding the release of their chairperson, Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in a city hospital.

In response, the ruling Awami League has announced plans to maintain a presence on the streets during BNP’s activities, organizing a peaceful rally and taking positions in various areas across the capital.

The Awami League will hold its own rally simultaneously in front of their headquarters on Bangabandhu Avenue. The Dhaka City (South) Unit of AL is organizing the event to commemorate the party’s 75th founding anniversary.

AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who also serves as the road, transport, and bridges minister, is set to address the rally as the chief guest.

Following the controversial January 7 general elections, which were boycotted by the BNP, the party has struggled to mount any significant opposition movement.

Now, the BNP aims to reinvigorate its efforts by demanding Khaleda Zia's release. Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister, was convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust corruption cases and has been in prison since February 8, 2018.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed highlighted the urgency of the rally, stating, "Khaleda Zia is very sick; she could die at any moment. But she is not being provided with better treatment due to court excuses. That is why we are taking these programs."

Khaleda Zia has been receiving medical treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since Friday, with a pacemaker recently fitted in her heart.

Additionally, the BNP has formally requested cooperation from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) for their rally at Naya Paltan.

On Thursday afternoon, a delegation of three leaders, led by BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury, visited the DMP office and spoke with Additional Commissioner A.K.M. Hafiz Akhter.

According to BNP sources, when the delegation arrived, DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman was not present. The delegation then discussed the rally with Additional Commissioner Akhter and handed over a letter seeking police cooperation for a peaceful event.

Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie emphasized the importance of their cause, stating, "Although BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is seriously ill and hospitalized, she is still imprisoned. She cannot go outside for treatment at will and is deprived of living freely and engaging in politics.”

“On June 29, we will hold a program in Dhaka city to demand her release." Chowdhury also claimed that the police assured their cooperation for a peaceful rally, adding, "The voice that will rise from this rally will compel the government to release her."

Responding to the situation, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader said, "We are not planning any counter-programs against the BNP or the opposition's programs. Our programs were announced earlier. The year-long celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Awami League will continue throughout the country."

AL Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif further clarified the party's stance, saying, "We will be in the streets whenever BNP tries to create anarchy in the country in the name of movement and holding rallies.”

“We will not put any obstacles in the way of the BNP holding their rally, but we will remain on the streets to safeguard people’s lives and property during their rally time."

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