They gave a two-month ultimatum to the government to meet their demands, otherwise they will go for tougher agitation.

The ultimatum was issued from a representatives' meeting of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Oikya Parishad at Gulistan Natyamancha in the capital.

Thousands of freedom fighters from different parts of the country attended the meeting and vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.

After the meeting, the freedom fighters submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia with a request to implement their demands immediately.

Their main demands are burial of freedom fighters with state honour, Tk 3000 monthly allowance for each freedom fighter and reservation of 30 percent job quota for freedom fighters' children.

The freedom fighters at the meeting said Razakars (collaborators of Pakistan Army in 1971) are being rewarded with all kinds of state facilities.

"Anti-liberation forces have occupied all high positions in both government and non-government sectors including the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs," said Abdul Motin, a veteran language hero, while addressing the meeting.

He urged the freedom fighters to be united to revive the spirit of the liberation war and spread it in every sphere of life.

“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,” he said blasting the political parties.

Major General (Retd) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Bir Protik said 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.

Journalist Ataus Samad said politicisation of administration began during the liberation war, and it was strengthened slowly depriving the freedom fighters of their rights, he said, adding, "By the time a new elite group had captured the politics and economy of the country."

"Political parties have used us for gaining their interest but leaders of these parties did not take any effective steps for the welfare of the freedom fighters," he added.

Bangladesh Muktijoddha Oikya Parishad Convenor Sheikh Ashraf Uddin presided over the meeting which was addressed by Muktijoddha Gono Parishad President Ishtiak Aziz Ulfat and Secretary General Sadek Ahmed Khan, freedom fighters Dr Nazim Uddin Ahmed, MA Sahid Bablu and Mizanur Rahman Khan.