Staff Correspondent

Leaders and activists from various political parties, including the NCP, began gathering at the Fountain Square of Mintu Road near the residence of the Chief Adviser following Jumma' prayers on Friday.

Earlier, protesters performed Jumma' prayers behind the stage set-up near Jamuna,  the CA’s residence.

Soon after the prayers, a rally began at the same location, with demonstrators chanting slogans and demanding a political ban on the Awami League.

Participants arrived in small processions, gradually swelling the crowd.

To ease the discomfort of the sweltering heat, the North City Corporation deployed a water sprinkler truck at the venue, reportedly under government sponsorship.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser of the NCP’s southern zone, had called for mass participation earlier in the day, urging people from all walks of life to join the rally in front of the SAARC Fountain and Hotel Intercontinental.

“There will be a sea of people,” said Hasnat, adding,  “People will see who truly wants to ban the AL.”

Sarjis Alam, the NCP’s northern zone chief organiser, joined the demonstration in the morning after travelling from his hometown Panchagarh, where he had been on Thursday night when NCP-led students took position in front of Jamuna.

Several other political groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Inquilab Mancha, Islamic Movement, and AB Party, have expressed solidarity with the protesters.

The movement gained momentum after a group of students led by the NCP gathered in front of the CA’s residence on Wednesday night, pressing for a ban on the Awami League. 

The sit-in formally began around 10 pm on Thursday under Hasnat’s leadership.