<div style="text-align: justify; "><b style="font-size: 1rem;">Thousands of Awami League leaders and activists have gathered at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan this morning to make their 22nd National Council a success.</b><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The theme of this year’s council is: “Development journey under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina with the determination to build a developed, prosperous and smart Bangladesh of Bangabandhu’s dream”.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">According to party sources, the council usually goes on for two days but this time, it will be held for a day. Keeping the global recession in mind, AL has taken this initiative of curtailing the programme.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">About 7,000 councilors and lakhs of delegates are expected to participate in this year’s National Council.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first session will begin at 10:30 am today. There will be a break for lunch and prayers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Party sources said that Awami League will form its executive committee, taking into consideration the 12th national election scheduled for early 2024.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those who will assume leadership will confront all domestic and foreign conspiracies and work to implement the election manifesto of Awami League.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A spectacular stage has been erected in the shape of a boat at Suhrawardy Udyan. The stage is 80 feet long and 44 feet wide.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There will be five gates for entry. One of these is a VIP gate, while the other four are for councilors. The gates were opened for councilors and delegates from 7 am. Councilors and delegates are seen entering the venue through the gates amid tight security. UNB</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>