The "peace rally" of the three associate bodies of the ruling Awami League started at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram this afternoon with Jubo League activists' cultural performances.

Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League and Chhatra League organised the rally that started around 2:30pm.

Jubo League General Secretary Mominul Islam Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan and central leaders of Chhatra League were present at the rally.

Apart from this, AKM Shamim Osman, lawmaker of Narayanganj-4 constituency, arrived at the venue along with his followers.

Leaders and activists started gathering at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram to take part in the "peace rally" after 12:00 noon.

Apart from Narayanganj, the party members from Narsingdi, Gazipur, Savar, Manikganj gathered at the rally venue.

The ruling party men from the adjoining districts of Dhaka -- Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Gazipur -- started converging towards the rally venue since noon.

Photo: Rashed Shumon

A group of central leaders of Awami League have reached the rally venue.

Before the start of the main rally, the leaders and activists are spending time taking pictures and chanting different slogans.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader will attend the rally as chief guest while Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parsh will preside over it.

The ruling Awami League has made preparations to ensure a large gathering at its "peace rally" near the south gate of Baitul Mukarram.

Leaders and activists of AL's city units will be at their offices and in the neighbourhoods so that BNP activists do not launch a blockade, try to lay siege to any important government facility, and "create unrest".

They, however, were also asked not to stop BNP activists from joining their rally at Nayapaltan, according to party sources.