Nearly 15,000 people including teachers, students, lawyers, businessmen, journalists, physicians and politicians from 14 districts took part in the rally that began at 3:00pm and continued till 7:30pm.

With Ali Newaj Khaiyam MP in the chair, the rally was addressed by Chief Whip Khandaker Delwar Hossain MP , Sorhab Hossain MP, Mehedi Ahmed Rumi MP, Nasirul Haque Sabu MP, Abdul Goni MP, Mozammel Haque MP, CIPBD President and ambassador M M Rezaul Karim and Joint Secretary General Mizanur Rahman.

A fresh programme demanding the bridge at Daulatdia-Paturia point was also announced at the rally.

The programme includes processions and public meetings at union and upazila levels from March 17 to March 28 and mass hunger strike in all the 14 district headquarters on March 30.

The speakers warned that they would call indefinite strike from April 1 if their demand is not met by that time.

Sources said the government's recent announcement that the proposed Padma bridge would be constructed at Mawa-Janjira point has prompted the agitation programme.