Leaders, activists throng Suhrawardy Udyan

Away from usual atmosphere of the Suhrawardy Udyan, the historic place on Friday wore a festive look buzzing with joyful Awami League men, who are attending the two-day 21st national council of the party, turning the entire area and its adjoining spots into a human sea.

The huge ground, which provides the city dwellers natural surroundings in this huge boisterous city, was tastefully decorated and witnessed thronging of huge Awami League leaders, workers, councilors, delegates, foreign guests, various professional groups and visitors.

The entire venue of the Awami League national council was illuminated, decorated and displayed with small and big boats, the election symbol of the AL, replica of deer of the Sundarbans, sea fishes and different portraits as well as national and party flags.

Small and big portraits of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina put on display in and around the historic council venue, the site of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's landmark 7th March speech and surrender of Pakistani troops in 1971.

The Udyan and its adjoining areas had been humming with activities as hundreds of councilors, delegates and distinguished guests converged at the venue from across the country well ahead of 9 am although the inauguration of AL national council was scheduled for 3:00pm.

AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the two-day council through releasing the symbol of peace pigeon around 3:00pm at the historic venue, the site of Bangabandhu’s landmark 7th March address and surrender of Pakistani troops in 1971.

Another session of the council, to be held at The Institution of Engineers tomorrow, would elect the ruling party’s new leadership.

Sheikh Hasina, a four-time prime minister, has been leading the AL since 1981. Speaking at party forums on several occasions, she expressed her desire to go on retirement.

The previous AL council in 2016 had elected Hasina as the party president for the eighth straight term and Quader the general secretary.

Source:SUN