Suhrawardy Udyan abuzz as Awami League's National Council approaches

Suhrawardy Udyan wears a festive look two days ahead of the 20th national council of the ruling Awami League scheduled to be held there.

Leaders and activists of the party are supervising lightning and decoration of the venue.

A boat-shape stage has been made resembling the Awami League's election symbol.

Five colourful flags and an arch have given the entrance an aesthetically pleasing look.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the council on Oct 22 and a two-day conference will follow.

The slogan for this year's council is "Relentless progress on the road of development , holding Bangladesh's head high ".

Leaders of the preparation sub-committee said everything was in place.

Stage and Decoration Sub-Committee member secretary Mirza Azam told bdnews24.com that last minute efforts were underway .

The 150-feet long wooden stage is divided at two levels.

"Chairperson Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and members of the executive committee will sit on the upper level. Cultural programme will be held at the lower level," said Azam.

Foreign guests will sit in the front. Sitting arrangements for 20,000 guests and delegates have been made.

"A space for rest has been made for Prime Minister Hasina. Similar arrangements have been made for foreign guests behind the stage," he said.

Seventy-eight stands have been erected for the district committee leaders to hoist their local flags beside the stage.

Portraits of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are visible from the entrance up to the stage.

The prime minister  and foreign delegates will enter through a huge arch built beside the Dhaka Shishu Park.

The entrance through the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh is earmarked for VIPs.

Mirza Azam said the guests and delegates will enter through entrances made at Chhobir Haat, TSC, Bangla Academy, and the entrance along Mausoleum of three leaders in Shahbagh.

He said the programme would be up on 28 LED screens set up on and around the stage. The area has been turned into wifi zone.

A police control room has been set up on the left side of the stage. Stalls of CRI, Bangabandhu Museum, Juba League and Chhatra League have been set up.

Volunteers, leaders and activists have been crowding the premises for the last few days . A reception and makeshift offices of the preparation sub-committee have also been set up.

Shahbagh police OC Abu Bakar Siddique said CCTV cameras are installed inside and around the Udyan.