They said the government has been patronising the anti-liberation forces whereas freedom fighters are being ignored and deprived.

Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command Council organised the rally at Muktangan in the city to mark the Independence Day.

Freedom fighters today pull rickshaws, beg and even die without food, which is a shame for the country, and no government since independence has done anything for the welfare of the freedom fighters, the speakers said.

The goal of the liberation war that everyone will enjoy equal rights and financial freedom is yet to be achieved, they added.

The freedom fighters said the Razakars (collaborators of the Pakistan army) are seen in the Independence Day's programmes while freedom fighters are ignored. Bir Shrestha Capt. Mohiuddin Jagangir's family members were not invited in an Independence Day programme in Barisal recently, they added.

Presiding over the rally, Council Chairman Principal Abdul Ahad Chowdhury urged the government to accept the reform proposal of the 14-party to resolve the present political crisis.

Dr Neem Chandra Bhowmik, Sultan Uddin Ahmed Raja and Humayun Kabir also spoke at the rally.

Later, they brought out a colourful procession that paraded through different city streets and ended in front of 'Shikha Chirantan' at Suhrawardy Udyan.