PM Breaks Protocol Barriers, Walks 6km Among the People from Nayapaltan to Manik Mia Avenue

The cool November wind signals the arrival of winter. Meanwhile, colourful banners, festoons and red-green flags filled the streets. Yesterday, Saturday, was the historic November 7, National Revolution and Solidarity Day. But this time, the day was not limited to an annual event on the calendar. The streets of Dhaka witnessed a rare and important moment in the country’s political history.

A prime minister is usually seen travelling with sirens, bulletproof vehicles, tight security and strict protocol. This often keeps ordinary people far away from the head of government. But on Saturday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman broke this long-standing practice and appeared in a completely different way.

He walked the six-kilometre route from Nayapaltan to Manik Mia Avenue in front of the National Parliament building. He did not travel inside a car. Instead, he walked shoulder to shoulder with thousands of party leaders, activists and ordinary people. Such an event is very rare in the history of Bangladesh, as the head of government himself joined a public procession on foot.

A Sea of People at Nayapaltan: Beginning early in the morning, the heart of the capital, Nayapaltan, turned into a sea of people. The crowds came through the narrow streets of Motijheel, Fakirapul, Shantinagar and Bijoynagar.

After a rally on a truck stage in front of the party office, preparations began for a colourful procession towards Manik Mia Avenue. At that time, everyone’s eyes turned towards the protocol officials.

The bulletproof vehicle arranged by the Special Security Force (SSF) and law enforcement agencies was ready. But to everyone’s surprise, the Prime Minister did not get into the car. Instead, he walked straight into the main procession.

There was no artificial barrier or glass screen around him. He stood among party leaders, activists and ordinary people. The thousands of people present were surprised at first. Soon, their surprise turned into loud cheers and joy.

The Journey Through the Streets: 

As the procession crossed Nayapaltan intersection and moved towards Kakrail and Nightingale intersection, the usual scene of the city changed. Thousands of people walked along the paved roads, while the country’s Prime Minister walked among them.

Usually, roads are blocked when a VIP moves through an area. This often causes trouble for ordinary people. But Saturday’s scene was different.

When the procession reached Matsa Bhaban intersection, people were seen standing on both sides of the road. Although it was a holiday, many had come out to see the Prime Minister. Mothers with children, shopkeepers, rickshaw pullers and students stood along the roads.

The Prime Minister responded to their greetings by waving his hand. At times, he placed his hand on his chest to show his respect and gratitude.

As the procession passed InterContinental and Bangla Motor and reached the busy Karwan Bazar intersection, the afternoon sun had become less bright. Walking such a long distance could naturally cause tiredness. But there was no sign of it in the Prime Minister’s steps. Rather, he appeared happy to be close to the people.

People waved at him from both sides of the road. Many also watched from the windows and rooftops of nearby tall commercial buildings.

When the procession reached the crowded Farmgate intersection, security forces faced a difficult situation in managing the crowd. However, the Prime Minister signalled to security personnel to keep the way open. He also went close to the crowd and shook hands with people.

After crossing Khamarbari intersection, the procession entered the wide Manik Mia Avenue in front of the National Parliament building. The road turned into a huge meeting place for the people.

Thus, the historic six-kilometre journey from Nayapaltan to Manik Mia Avenue ended with the Prime Minister walking among the people.

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said that seeing a prime minister walk continuously in this way was an unprecedented event in Bangladesh.

“I believe this will inspire the people of the country on the journey to building democracy,” he said.

He also said that former president Ziaur Rahman had walked for miles during canal-digging programmes.

The Additional Press Secretary said that the Prime Minister walked the entire route without stopping. He also asked other leaders to walk with him.

An Unusual Day Through the Eyes of Ordinary People

The reactions of ordinary people along the entire route were worth noticing.

Retired government official Rafiqul Islam said, “I have seen many governments and heads of state in my lifetime. Whenever their motorcades passed, we had to stand for hours. Roads were kept closed. But I never imagined seeing something like this. The country’s Prime Minister is walking beside us as if he is a member of our own family. This sight has made me very happy.”

Rahim Uddin, a young van driver in Karwan Bazar, said, “Big leaders do not even lower the windows of their cars. But he walked with us even though he is the Prime Minister. He looked at poor people like us and waved at us. That is what a real leader should do.”

The natural emotions seen on the faces of hundreds of ordinary people showed how deeply Tarique Rahman’s walk touched them. It was an experience that the streets of Dhaka would remember for a long time.

Security analysts say that when a head of government moves away from protocol and joins a crowd on his own, it does not fit into the usual security plans. They say such an act mainly shows deep trust in the people and political confidence.

The PM showed that the wall of people’s love can be much stronger than the glass of a bulletproof car.