Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have start gathering in large numbers outside the party's headquarters in Dhaka's Naya Paltan to take part in protest rally to press home their one-point demand to oust the Awami League government in the upcoming general election.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 pm on Friday and the excitement has been gradually building since the morning. Make-shift stage has been erected on nine trucks.
An extensive presence of police personnel was noticed at Nayapaltan, Fakirapool, Nightingale crossing, Dainik Bangla, Purana Paltan and Bijoynagar areas.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is set to address the rally as its chief guest.
Artists from the BNP's cultural affairs unit performed patriotic songs to boost their morale.
Earlier, DMP commissioner Khondker Golam Faruq said the presence of public within the designated area of the venues would have to be kept limited. None would be allowed to enter the venues with sticks and bags.
Three associate bodies of Awami League -- Jubo League, Swecchasebak League and Chhatra League -- will hold rally at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque.
