DHAKA: The mass rally, arranged by ruling Awami League (AL), has begun at Suhrawardi Udyan in city on Monday marking the historic March 7.

AL presidium member and deputy leader of the parliament Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury is presiding over the rally, starting from 2:45pm.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and also AL president is expected to attend the rally as chief guest.

AL general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, Advisory Council members Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed, Matia Chowdhury and Mohammad Nasim and others have graced the rally stage.
 
On the other hand, thousands of leaders and activists have been thronging the venue since noon to join the rally.

On the day in 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had delivered his fiery speech at the then Race Course Maidan (now Suhrawardi Udyan) that inspired Bangalis to prepare them for fighting against Pakistani-junta during the liberation war.

Bangabandhu delivered his speech in front of gigantic crowds saying, 'it is the war for emancipation, it is the war of independence'.

BDST: 1604 HRS, MAR 07, 2016
RS/RR/SMS