They said the country badly needs leadership by people who are solicitous, thoughtful and courageous to overcome the persisting crisis.

The discussion was organised by Bangabir Osmani Smriti Parishad to mark the 88th birth anniversary of Gen MAG Osmani, commander-in-chief of the armed forces during the War of Liberation, at Osmani Memorial Hall in the city.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen (Retd) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Bir Pratik said except franchise, people of this country have no right as they are made victims of bullet whenever they protest against any misdeeds.

He said apart from honest and courageous candidate, people should also be honest so that they can elect right person.

Gen Osmani will be remembered forever for his role in the War of Liberation as well as in establishing multi-party democracy in the country, he added.

Gen Osmani was an honest, courageous and ideal man and a person like him is the need of the hour, he said.

Maj Gen (Retd) M Azizur Rahman Bir Uttam said people are reeling under various problems as terrorists, black money holders and corrupt bureaucrats are now in parliament.

He said honest people are essential as only holding free and fair election cannot solve the problems of people.

Sagufta Yasmin Emily, a former lawmaker, said, "We need such an election where the verdict of the mass people will be reflected truly."

Sheikh Kabir Hossain, former chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, urged the government to observe the birth anniversary of Osmani nationally.

Syeda Masuda Khwaja, president of Bangabir Osmani Smriti Parishad, Mostafa Mohsin Montu, former lawmaker, Syed Bazlul Karim, an advisor of the Parishad and Sheikh Syed Abdul Moktadir, president of Jalalabad Association, Dhaka also took part in the discussion.