They said honest people, including politicians, professionals and social workers, should work together in the changed situation to initiate a true democratic process in the country.

The discussion was organised by Manik Mia Parishad at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) Auditorium in the city yesterday evening to mark the 38th death anniversary of Manik Mia.

Presided over by Sadeque Siddique, general secretary of Manik Mia Parishad, the meeting was also addressed by Dr Mizanur Rahman Shelley, acting editor of Ittefaq Rahat Khan, Prof Abdul Mannan Chowdhury, MA Rashid and Abu Sayeed Khan.

Paying tributes to Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia for their outstanding contribution to Bengali nationalism, Dr Shelley said democracy did not fail in the country, rather those who were entrusted to make democracy stronger have failed as they destroyed democracy to serve their personal interest.

He said those who are responsible for destroying everything in the country must not be pardoned as they will not forgive the nation if they return to power again.

Mentioning the contribution of Bangabandhu and Manik Mia for laying the foundation of Bengali nationalism, Rahat Khan said democratic spirit was the inspiration for Manik Mia.

Sadeque Siddique said emergency has been imposed in the country due to intolerant activities of two major political parties.

Now everybody should help the authorities concerned to establish a fair and corruption-free society, he added.