He said corruption virtually engulfed almost every sector of the country including education sector.

"As a teacher I feel ashamed when I learn about corruption in educational institutions. Corruption takes place in educational institutions when education becomes a commodity," Prof Ahmad added.

The function was organised by Bangladesh Solidarity Movement to launch a cross-country bicycle tour by two youths with a view to raising mass awareness against corruption.

Speaking on the occasion Proshika Chairman Dr Kazi Faruque Ahmed said common people of the country are not involved in corrupt practices, rather they are the victims of such malpractices.

The only way to get rid of corruption is to boycott the corrupt people socially, he added.

Eminent journalist Abul Maksud said corruption outweighed all previous achievements of the nation.

To free the society from corruption, he suggested people to practice honesty in their personal life.

The bicycle riders, Abul Hossain and Muhammad Maniruzzaman Akand, began their journey from the National Press Club in the city. Later they visited Central Shaheed Minar on their way to Mawa.

Chairman of Solidarity Movement Engr M Abu Taher presided over the programme while its Secretary General Belal Ahmed, Chairman of Prime Bank Capt Imam Anwar Hossain, and former director general of Bangladesh Rifles Maj Gen (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman also spoke on the occasion.