FROM RAJSHAHI: The grand rally of 18 party alliance began on Monday noon at historical Madrassa ground in Rajshahi with the speech of Rajshahi Metropolitan Shibir president Anisul Haque Mallik.

Besides, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia took her seat at the stage of the rally at 4:15pm. She is set to deliver speech there.

Khaleda reached at the rally from Rajshahi Circuit House with party leaders and activists.

Thousands leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islam welcomed her in the entrance point of the city earlier.

With BNP joint secretary general Mizanur Rahman Minu in the chair the leaders and activists of 18-party alliance thronged the venue.

Earlier on Saturday, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia left Dhaka to join North Bengal rallies. On the day she passed night at Bogra Circuit House. Then she joined Rangpur rally on Sunday.

On Monday morning, Khaleda Zia left Bogra Circuit House around 11:50am to address the rally in Rajshahi.

BDST: 1636 HRS, SEP 16, 2013
GR/AKA/SRS