They also demanded trial and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the recent landslide in Chittagong that claimed lives of many people and injured several hundred people.

Agameer Bangladesh organised the seminar titled 'Devastating human disaster caused by landslide in Chittagong and our duties' at the National Press Club in the city.

Speaking as the chief guest, former adviser to the caretaker government ASM Shahjahan said the lack of accountability, honesty and courage is a major obstacle to the country's development.

"The development of the country is not possible unless everyone does his/her duties with full accountability and honesty," he said.

Comparing the government institutions to cold storages, he said the unbridled greed of government officials and destruction of institutions during the tenure of successive governments are responsible for the present impasse.

Referring to the recent landslide in Chittagong, he said criminal cases should be filed against those responsible for 126 deaths in the landslides.

He also stressed the need to careful use of natural resources in order to prevent natural calamities.

Dr Md Kamal Hussain, a professor of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University, presented a keynote paper with recommendations that the drive of mobile court against hill cutting should be stepped up and the coordination among the different authorities should be strengthened.

He also demanded compensation for the victims of the landslide.

Prof Dr AM Faruque, vice-chancellor of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and Abdullah Al-Mamun, adviser to the Agameer Bangladesh, also spoke.