They were speaking at a discussion titled "National Unity to Prevent Terrorism and Anti-state Activities" arranged by Centre for National and Regional Studies (CNRS) at the Institute of Engineers in the city on Saturday.

CNRS' Executive President Sazzad Hossain presided over the meeting while Moulana Ahmed Abdul Kader presented the keynote paper.

Prof M Shamsher Ali, vice chancellor of South East University, security analyst Brig Gen Shakhawat Hossain, Moulana Muhiudding Khan, editor of monthly Madina, renowned journalist Sadeq Khan, Barrister Abdur Razzak and Dr Mustafizur Rahman spoke on the occasion.

CNRS' Secretary General Irtiza Nasim Ali said all parties should close ranks to unite setting aside mutual mistrust and hostility to defend the country's independence and sovereignty.

Prof Shamsher Ali in his speech said a few people's misdeeds should not taint the character of 15 crore people of the country. There are more than two lakh mosques in the country, so the imams can play a vital role to mobilise support against violence, he added.