The declaration came at a discussion on 'Social and cultural movements for observing August 15 nationally' organised by BSM at the National Press Club yesterday.

BSM also demanded declaration of public holiday on August 15, an end to distortion of the history in textbooks, punishment to those engaged in the distortion process, execution of the verdict in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman murder case and projecting his contribution through the state-run media.

The speakers at the discussion said it is not possible to observe the day in a befitting manner and implement the ideals of Bangabandhu unless the pro-liberation forces come to power.

"Truth can never be destroyed, it will remain forever. The present anti-liberation forces are just confusing the new generation over the history of the nation," said Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique.

By not recognising the contribution of Bangabandhu, the present government is killing him every day, which is tantamount to self-defeat, he said.

Former information minister Prof Abu Sayeed said it is now becoming clear who are in favour of the War of Liberation and who are against it. "Now it is easier to fight the enemies," he said, referring to the current political polarisation.

Theatre personality Ramendu Majumder said the situation has begun to deteriorate since the killing of Bangabandhu on August 15, 1975 and there is no way out due to the impunity culture in the country.

Many cases, including the Bangabandhu killing, bomb blasts in Udichi programme and August 21 carnage, were not investigated properly and no one has been punished, he lamented.

Referring to the probability that Ershad might join the ruling alliance, he said that it is even better for the pro-liberation forces, as the people can easily identify the corrupt parties and elect the better political allies.

Bangalee Sangskriti Mancha President Alamgir Kumkum, poet Syed Shamsul Huq, poet Nirmalendu Guun, poet Aslam Sani, AL City Unit Cultural Secretary Salahuddin Badal, BSM Presidium Member Dr Mohammad Samad, Prof Shamsul Huda Haroon and Prof Muhammad Nurullah also spoke.