They said the freedom fighters have fallen in the whirl of political chaos and thus have been deprived of their just rights and status in the society.

The reunion of Sector-7 Freedom Fighters was held at LGED auditorium in the city.

The speakers said the freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for political and economic freedom, social justice, rule of law and democracy, but none of these exist in the country.

"The political parties have failed to bring any qualitative changes in the lives of the common people. The rich have become richer and the poor have become poorer. Politics has turned into a game of money and muscle," said Lt Col (retd) Quazi Nuruzzaman, commander of sector-7 that comprised of Greater Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogra and Dinajpur.

He said politicisation of administration began during the liberation war, and it was strengthened slowly leaving the freedom fighters deprived of their rights. By the time, a new elite group had captured the politics and economy of the country, he added.

Sub-sector Commander Brig Gen (retd) Gyasuddin A Chowdhury said the freedom fighters joined the liberation war not for any personal gain, but to free the country from Pakistani occupation forces. It is a shame for the nation that those brave sons of the soil have to lobby at the government offices for their living, he added.

Gyasuddin, also a former ambassador, said, "It is regrettable that we also could not take the political leadership of the country. But time has come to get rid of the current crises by bringing honest leadership to power."

Major General (retd) CR Dutt said, "It is regrettable that the freedom fighters are losing their identity due to political corruption."

He requested all to form a committee with a view to opening a new era in the country.

Krishak-Sramik-Janata League Chief Kader Siddique (Bir Uttam) MP called for strengthening the unity of the freedom fighters to establish democracy and rule of law.

He also recalled the immense contribution of the women to the liberation war and urged all to involve them in the mainstream of life.

Prof Shajahan Mian MP, a freedom fighter, said there might be different opinions, but all must be united for sustaining the spirit of the liberation war.

"If needed, we shall go for another war, but we must not let the evil forces to remain in power," he added.

Prof Dr M Amjad Hossain, member-secretary of the Reunion Celebration Committee, called upon the government to make special arrangement for the treatment of injured and sick freedom fighters, and give special status to all freedom fighters so that they can lead their lives with full dignity.

Major (retd) Qaiuum Khan, Prof Dr Kawsarul Haque and Durul Huda also spoke.