DHAKA: A rally of ruling Awami League begum at 3:05pm Friday at Suhrawardy Udyan on occasion of historic March 7.

President of ruling Awami League, also Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at rally venue at 4:35pm Friday.

Thousands of party leaders and activists thronged at the venue.

Party’s presidium Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury is presiding over the rally.

Additional security measures have been taken surroundings the rally venue.

On this day in 1971, the undisputed leader of the Bengalis Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a speech of independence in front millions of freedom-loving people at the Race Course Maidan, now known as Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka.

The Bengali people were inspired to prepare for a potential war of independence, amid widespread reports of armed mobilization by West Pakistan.

** AL’s rally begins at Suhrawardy

BDST: 1636 HRS, MAR 07, 2014