Politics is now being used as a means of making money and grabbing the state property by depriving the common people of their rights, they said.

The discussion was held on the occasion of a publication ceremony of a book titled 'Bangladeshe Modhyabitter Rajneeti' (Politics of middle class in Bangladesh) by Advocate Syed Serajul Huda and his 68th birthday in the city on Friday.

Serajul Huda is now the president of Bangladesh Jatiya Dal, a political party. He took part in the presidential election in 1978.

The speakers said most lawmakers are engaged in business directly or indirectly and they even cannot fulfil people's aspirations as they are busy with their own businesses.

"The politicians from the very beginning of their political career pursue their only goal -- to become either a member of parliament or a minister," said Nurul Haque Majumder, an advocate of the Supreme Court.

Such trend leads to a crisis in economy, administration, law and order, education and almost in every sphere of life, he added.

He also called on the young generation to shun such destructive path to establish a model state.

Justice Abu Sayeed Ahmad said the culture of protesting injustice has almost disappeared from the society, resulting in an alarming rise in crimes.

Dr T Hossain, the first health secretary, appreciated the author's courage to tell the truth through his book. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely; so today's young generation must always keep it in their mind."

"I believe the country still has a very bright future, but we need only some brave and honest politicians," he added.

Justice Kazi Ebadul Haque, former MP Manzur Ahmed, Advocate Md Noman, former ambassador Abdur Rahim, writer AKM Fazlul Haque and Col. (retd.) Abdul Latif Mallik, also spoke at the function presided over by journalist Mizanur Rahman Mizan.