<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Thousands of Awami League activists on Wednesday gathered at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram mosque in the city for the peace rally called by the party.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The activists braved rain as they poured into the meeting venue in processions carrying banners, placards and shouting pro-government slogans. Many were seen coming on packed buses and pick-up vans.</div><div><br></div><div>The Awami League called the rally in a show of strength against BNP which is also holding a public rally in front of its Nayapalton central office.</div><div><br></div><div>AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister, and other leaders of the party will address the party’s rally.</div><div><br></div><div>Police have been deployed in the areas as the rallies called by the two feuding parties heightened tension.</div><div><br></div><div>The programmes are disrupting traffic movement around the meeting venues. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>