Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday inaugurated the 22nd national council of one of the sub-continent's largest political parties, Bangladesh Awami League, reports BSS.
She opened the council by hoisting the national flag and releasing pigeons and balloons at 10.30am at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan, amid tight security.
On her arrival at the venue, Sheikh Hasina, also president of the AL, was received by the party's senior leaders.
The main theme of this year's council is 'Unnoyon Abhijatrai Deshratna Sheikh Hasinar Netritte Bangabandhur Swapner Unnoto, Samridho O Smart Bangladesh Gorar Protoye'.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, MP, will place the report of the general secretary while AL Presidium Member and reception committee convener Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim,MP, is expected to deliver the address of welcome.
Barrister Biplab Barua will place the obituary references.
Around 7,000 each councilors and delegates and thousands of the AL leaders and activists thronged the venue.
There will be a break for lunch and prayers after the end of the inaugural session. Then the council session will be held in the auditorium of Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB). Party's president and general secretary will be elected in the session.
A three-member election commission has already been formed to elect the leadership.
A total of 11 sub-committees are working for the council. As per the tradition, party president Sheikh Hasina is chairman of the council preparatory committee and general secretary Obaidul Quader is its member secretary.
The stage was made in the shape of a boat along with Padma Bridge which is 80 feet long and 44 feet wide.
Besides, LED monitors are put in the council venue.
The party's manifesto for the election will focus on "smart Bangladesh" by 2041.
The AL has not invited any representatives of foreign political parties to the inaugural session of the council, butl invited leaders of other political parties in the country, including the BNP and Jatiya Party.
Foreign envoys stationed in Dhaka were invited alongside eminent personalities of the country, ministers, and lawmakers.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
