Dhaka, May 3 -- Thousands of leaders and activists of Hefazat-e-Islam gathered at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka to attend their pre-announced grand rally, to press home their five-point demand including withdrawal of cases filed against their leaders and activists immediately.

The rally began around 9 am and is scheduled to continue until 1pm, according to organisers.

Thousands of Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and activists different parts of the country began gathering at the venue around 7 am and several thousand have already filled Suhrawardy Udyan.

According to the sources, there are approximately 300 cases pending against its leaders.

The other key demands include justice for the killings during the Shapla Chattar crackdown on...