Speaking at the biennial national council of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Inu), the leaders said it is high time to unite to resist the communal and anti-liberation forces who have captured state power taking advantage of the split among pro-liberation forces.

Awami League (AL) General Secretary Abdul Jalil said, "Unity among the like-minded pro-liberation parties is a must now as anti-liberation forces including 'rajakars' have united and are ruling the country. We must forge unity to put an end to this situation."

He regretted that the Muktijod-dha Sangsad (freedom fighters' organisation) now has 10 factions while 'rajakars' have united and captured state power.

"Retaining our respective political ideology, we can unite to oust the rajakar-dominated government to prevent black money holders from being elected to parliament and to implement the sprit of the Liberation War. Otherwise, the aspirations of the people will never be fulfilled," Jalil said.

Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain said, "The country is now like a derailed train. If we can organise our 14 crore people and lead them along the track, they will steadfastly move forward to reach the destination."

He called for launching a programme from today to mobilise the people of more than 80,000 villages in the country.

The eminent jurist said an organised movement is needed to bring a meaningful change of government to wipe out criminal activities from educational institutions, establish the rights and dignity of people and to separate the judiciary from the executive.

He proposed that the like-minded parties should reach a consensus on nominating only honest and qualified persons for elections.

Mujahidul Islam Selim, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) said if 'money game' in elections is not stopped, his party will never participate in such farcical polls.

Mahi B Chowdhury MP, organising secretary of the Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDP), said instead of making emotional speeches, they are preparing concrete proposals for the good of the people.

Mahi, on behalf of BDB President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, read out a goodwill message.

Economist Abul Barakat, general secretary of Bangladesh Arthonity Samity, said Bangladesh received around Tk 2 lakh crore from abroad in the last 34 years. Of this, 75 percent was misappropriated by about two lakh 'powerful criminals'.

He stressed the need for a united movement of all pro-liberation parties, professionals and others to save the country from these elements.

Others who spoke included Bimol Biswas, general secretary of the Workers Party, Dilip Barua, president of Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal and Laxmi Prashad Chakma, assistant general secretary of Chittagong Hill Tracts Jana Sanghati Samity.

JSD President Hasanul Haq Inu chaired the session and Joint General Secretary Shirin Akhter conducted it.

Earlier, JSD Joint General Secretary Iqbal Hossain Khan presented a political proposal calling for a grand alliance of all pro-liberation war parties.