They made the appeal saying that the defeated forces of the liberation war, who are now in the government, are strangling the spirit of Independence War and avenging their defeat to the freedom fighters in 1971.

"The al-Badrs and Rajakars (collaborators of Pakistani occupation forces) have captured state power and are now ruining the sprit of liberation war. To protect basic rights and ensure safety, the freedom fighters have no way but to launch a movement against the collaborators of Pakistani army and the alliance government," said former army chief Major General (retd) KM Shafiullah, Bir Uttam, at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity office in the city yesterday.

He read out a statement of the 'National committee for implementation of freedom fighters demands and observance of a Freedom Fighters Day'. They demanded increased facilities and greater honour for the freedom fighters and trial of war criminals.

The national committee has called for a freedom fighters' rally in all district and upazila headquarters on May 30 to press for their demands. They proposed that December 1, the first day of the 'Month of Victory' be observed as the 'Freedom Fighters Day' every year and also demanded observance of the 'Martyrs Day'.

Their other demands include revival of the four fundamental principles of the first constitution, stop to torture on the religious and ethnic communities, disbanding the armed networks of the Islamist outfits, constitution of a special tribunal for the trial of the collaborators, forcing Pakistan to apologise for their atrocities during the Liberation War, preparation of a list of the real freedom fighters through a national commission and special allowances and interest-free loans for the freedom fighters.

Sector Commander Major General (retd) CR Dutta, Bir Uttam, one of the commanders of Bangladesh Liberation Front (BLF) Abdur Razzak MP, freedom fighter and General Secretary of Awami League Abdul Jalil MP, Chief of the BLF training camp Hasanul Haq Inu and President of Bangladesh Workers Party Rashed Khan Menon were present.

They said their platform is not a political one, rather they have invited freedom fighters from across the political divide to join them for the sake of greater interest of the nation.

They observed that after independence freedom fighters have split up but the defeated forces have become more united and powerful and are now in power.

On a question, the Awami League general secretary said the freedom fighters' move has nothing to do with his April 30 deadline for the fall of the government.

"It is not important whether this government or any other is ruling the country but the movement of the freedom fighters will be continuing until the government meets their demands," Jalil said.