Stage Ready for 11-Party Unity's Closing Rally in Kushtia, 450 Police Deployed

All preparations, including building the stage, have been completed in Kushtia for the closing rally of the 11-party unity's long march, held to press seven-point demands including implementation of the referendum verdict. The rally has generated wide interest among party workers and supporters.

The rally is scheduled to be held at around 8pm on Saturday (31 October) at Shaheed Abrar Fahad Stadium in Kushtia. Top leaders of the 11-party unity will address the rally.

Under the long march programme, street rallies are scheduled at Naodoba in Jazira of Shariatpur, Katakhalir Mor in Fakirhat of Bagerhat, Babri Chattar in Khulna city and Swadhinata Chattar at the Fultola bus stand, Murlir Mor in Jashore, and the Jhenaidah bus terminal.

After the street rallies, the long march convoy will set out for Kushtia. In the final leg of the programme, the closing rally will be held at Shaheed Abrar Fahad Stadium in Kushtia.

Kushtia district Jamaat-e-Islami secretary Enamul Haque said almost all their preparations to make the rally a success were complete. 'We hope around one lakh people will gather at today's rally. Necessary preparations have been made to ensure the presence of a large number of leaders, activists and common people,' he said.

Kushtia Model police station officer-in-charge (OC) Zakir Hossain said maximum security had been ensured around the long march's closing rally. A total of 450 police members have been deployed at the venue.

The OC added that separate security arrangements have been made around the stage. Surveillance through CCTV cameras has also been arranged.