<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;">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.</span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">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 style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">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 style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">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 style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Police have been deployed in the areas as the rallies called by the two feuding parties heightened tension.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The programmes are disrupting traffic movement around the meeting venues.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>