The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a discussion meeting yesterday called for foiling efforts made to divide the people and obstruct the process of development of the country. They said Bangladesh was of interest to its neighbours when it achieved independence, but now global powers were competing to expand their spheres of influence in the country.

Prof Mahbubullah of Dhaka University was the chief guest at the discussion meeting organised by the Prajanma 26 March at the Photo Journalists Association auditorium. Mostafa Kamal Majumder, editor, The New Nation, and Prof. M Abdul Karim, Assistant Secretary General of the Jatiya Muktijoddha Parishad were special guests at the function presided over by Abul Ehsan, president of the organisation.

The speakers paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the War of Independence and said the values for which lakhs of them laid their lives should be upheld to pay due respect to them.

Prof. Mahbubullah said that independence does not only mean the possession of a separate geographical area. The people of the country should remain prepared to make more sacrifices in future to make their independence meaningful and fruitful. For this it is necessary to identify those who obstructed the processes of freedom, economic development, and people's progress, he said.

Prof. Abdul Karim said that freedom fighters like him fought the war as they did dream of a better future. He paid respects for the leaders who moulded the movement for the independence of Bangladesh that culminated in the War of Independence.

Abul Ehsan said children of freedom fighters like them now felt frustrated that they were deprived of opportunities to improve their lot. He said heirs of freedom fighters look forward to building a democratic, independent and sovereign Bangladesh.