National Revolution and Solidarity Day Observed Today

Bangladesh is observing the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day today, Saturday, November 7. On this day in 1975, an uprising involving soldiers and civilians led to the release of then Major General Ziaur Rahman from confinement. He later became the president of Bangladesh. According to the BNP’s account, the events marked an important chapter in the country’s political history and reflected efforts to safeguard national independence and sovereignty.

The BNP describes the uprising as a turning point that helped restore stability. It credits Ziaur Rahman with introducing multiparty democracy and initiating a new era of development- and production-oriented politics.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman have issued separate messages marking the occasion. The BNP is observing the day with a seven-day programme.

As part of the celebrations, the BNP will hold a colourful procession in the capital today. Prime Minister and party chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to lead the march on foot. He will inaugurate the central procession in the morning in front of the party’s central office in Naya Paltan.

At a press conference at the central office on Friday, BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said rallies would be held in most districts and metropolitan areas across the country on November 7. In Dhaka, the central procession will begin following the prime minister’s inaugural remarks in Naya Paltan.

Rizvi said the procession would start from Naya Paltan, pass in front of the Chief Justice’s residence in Kakrail, move through the Hotel InterContinental intersection, Bangla Motor and Farmgate, and conclude at Manik Mia Avenue.

Before the procession, at 8:30am, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and senior party leaders are scheduled to pay tribute by placing wreaths at the graves of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Apart from the central programme in Dhaka, various BNP-affiliated and associate organisations will arrange discussion meetings, photo exhibitions and other events, Rizvi said. He added that the party’s Dhaka North and South metropolitan units and affiliated organisations were working to make the procession a success.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called on people to observe National Revolution and Solidarity Day with due dignity.

In a statement, he described November 7 as a significant day in Bangladesh’s national history. He said patriotic members of the armed forces and ordinary citizens had taken to the streets together in 1975 with the aim of protecting the country’s independence, sovereignty and national interests. Their collective resistance, he said, marked the beginning of a historic chapter in confronting the conspiracies and crises of that period.

Shafiqur Rahman said national unity was essential to resist any conspiracy or activity against democracy, independence and sovereignty. He called for lessons to be drawn from past experiences and for any attempt to push the country back towards fascist rule or authoritarian tendencies to be resisted.

He also urged patriotic students and citizens, political parties, the government and the armed forces, along with all relevant stakeholders, to play responsible and united roles in strengthening the country’s independence, sovereignty and democratic progress.

Meanwhile, vehicles will be able to use the Dhaka Elevated Expressway toll-free for six hours today in observance of National Revolution and Solidarity Day. The facility will remain in effect from 6am to 12 noon.

The Bangladesh Bridge Authority announced the decision in a press release, stating that all vehicles using the Dhaka Elevated Expressway during the designated six-hour period would be exempt from toll payments.