The freedom fighters fought against the Pakistani occupation forces for political and economic liberty, social justice, freedom of thought and equal rights, but some political parties in the past did not ensure those and hampered the development process, he told a rally at Paltan Maidan prior to bringing out a victory procession organised by the city unit of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Mannan Bhuiyan, also secretary general of the BNP, said the coalition government under the leadership of Khaleda Zia is working hard to ensure the rights of the people.

He said the political party that came to power immediately after the Liberation War snatched the people's right to politics and expression by forming a one-party government, but BNP believes in multi-party democracy and freedom of expression.

He said the way the present government faced the unprecedented floods this year is a rare example in the world. It also introduced various schemes to establish the basic rights of the people.

BNP City Unit President Sadeque Hossain Khoka paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War. He called upon all to forge unity to build a prosperous nation.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Tarique Rahman also greeted the countrymen on the occasion.

After the rally, thousands of BNP leaders and workers took out a colourful victory procession. Carrying banners, festoons, and balloons, the procession touched Zero Point, Golap Shah Mazar, Bahadur Shah Park and ended at the BNP Office at Naya Paltan.

Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Sadeque Hossain Khoka, Tarique Rahman, Law Minister Moudud Ahmed, Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce Barkat Ullah Bulu, State Minister for Labour and Employment Amanullah Aman led the procession.