They said Manik Mia played a significant role in inspiring the people to join the struggle for freedom under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Manik Mia Parishad organised the discussion to mark the death anniversary of Manik Mia in the city.

The speakers also criticised the BNP-Jamaat alliance government for patronising the communal forces and destroying democracy.

They also condemned the attack on the students of Dhaka University and price hike of essentials.

Columnist and freedom fighter AH Alamgir, former additional secretary Siraj Uddin Ahmed, General Secretary of Manik Mia Parishad Muhammad Abdul Jalil, Vice-President of Desh Bachao Forum Sardar Mohammad Ali Badal and President of Nari Mukti Andolan Fatema Khatun took part in the discussion.