The eight-point declaration also stressed an end to abuse of religion for communal and political purposes.

Convenor of the convention Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud read out the declaration at the concluding session held at the Institution of Engineers.

The convention had six sessions on different issues including rise of militants, state terrorism and rule of law, repression on women, freedom of expression and repression on minority people.

"We will eliminate terrorism and communalism from Bangladesh. For this, unity of all progressive and democratic forces is a must," Rokan stressed.

The declaration said, "Steps will have to be taken to root out all militant and extremist groups in the country." It also demanded recovery of illegal arms and destruction of those.

It emphasised keeping the administration, intelligence and law enforcement agencies free from politicisation.

Any form of propaganda on extremism and training of militants at educational institutions will have to be stopped, the declaration said.

It demanded formation of a neutral enquiry commission to investigate all bomb blasts, grenade attacks, political killings and arms smuggling in the country in recent years.

If necessary, anti-terrorism unit of the United Nations should be invited to help the commission, the declaration said.

OPPOSITION FOR UNITY
Earlier, addressing the concluding session of the convention, senior leaders of different opposition parties stressed unity of all progressive, democratic and pro-liberation forces to fight 'terrorism' under the BNP-Jammat-led coalition rule.

The present government itself is involved in 'terrorist activities' and its is not possible to combat terrorism keeping it in power.

Eminent jurist and Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain said unity for healthy politics is a must to overcome the present situation in the country.

It seems Bangladesh is heading towards fascism with the democratic institutions destroyed day by day, he said.

"I don't think forging unity among those who fought the Liberation War is difficult. People want to see them on a common platform."

Dr Kamal went on, "We should visit all areas of the country to unite people in our drive to build a secular, democratic and prosperous society, upholding the spirit of the Liberation War."

Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil said the BNP-Jamaat-led coalition in its four-year rule has turned Bangladesh into a 'valley of death' and created a panicky situation.

"State terrorism is going on with the patronisation of ruling alliance men," he said.

"We, who fought the Liberation War unitedly, should not keep mum anymore. We will have to move together to resist the defeated forces' bid to make Bangladesh a neo-Pakistan," Jalil said.

Communist Party of Bangladesh President Manjurul Ahsan khan also stressed unity to fight terrorism.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu said the BNP-Jamaat-led government must be dislodged as, he said, it is patronising terrorist elements.

Other speakers included AL leader Amir Hossain Amu, Workers Party General Secretary Bimal Biswas, Jatiya Party (Manju) Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam and Supreme Court Bar Association President Mahbubey Alam.