Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday joined a colourful procession in the capital marking the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

The procession, titled “National Revolution and Solidarity Day Sovereignty rally”, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman from a temporary stage in front of the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan at around 3:15pm.

The entire Paltan area turned festive with the presence of leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate and affiliated organisations including Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Krishak Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal.

Thousands of party leaders, activists and supporters gathered from Kakrail intersection to Fakirerpool intersection, turning the area into a sea of people.

The participants carried Bangladesh's national flag and placards bearing photographs of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Many participants wore colourful caps and T-shirts bearing party insignia and slogans, while banners, festoons and party slogans added to the festive atmosphere.

The procession, which started in front of the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, passed in front of the Chief Justice’s residence and Hotel InterContinental before going through Bangla Motor and Farmgate and ending at Manik Mia Avenue.

Among those who took part in the procession were Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Abdus Salam, Food State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, BNP Standing Committee members Amanullah Aman and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Khairul Kabir Khokon, and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Islam Rumon.

Dhaka North Swechchhasebak Dal President Sheikh Farid Hossain arrived with a large procession carrying banners and festoons, accompanied by five horse-drawn carriages and an elephant.