Politicians, academics and professionals at a discussion in Dhaka on Thursday demanded the declaration of April 10 as republic day since proclamation of independence was adopted on this day in 1971.
They also said that April 10 was important in the history of the War of Independence, and the interim government should declare the day as the republic day.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD, a partner of the Ganatantra Mancha, organised the discussion at the Journalist Shafiqur Rahman Conference Room of Dhaka Reporters鈥� Unity.
Revolutionary Workers Party general secretary Saiful Huq said that after 54 years of the war of independence, they had failed to declare April 10 as republic day.
鈥楢fter the students and people uprising, we demand taking immediate steps to declare April 10 as republic day,鈥� he said.聽
Chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolan Zonayed Saki said that after the students and people uprising, scopes were created for reforms and introduction of democratic rule in the country.
He called on the interim government to take immediate steps for holding next general election and constitution reforms election together.
Poet and former politician Shahidullah Farizee readout the keynote paper in the discussion.
He said that political parties should remain united for implementing the spirits of students and people uprising.
Chairing the discussion, senior vice-president of JSD, Tania Rob appreciated the interim government for taking steps to reform the constitution and demanded declaring April 10 as republic day of the country.
Chief coordinator of Rashtra Sanskar Andolan Hasnat Quaiyum urged the government to hold next general election as early as possible after holding required reforms.
鈥楾he next general election must be held in a free, fair and credible manner so that people can apply their voting rights freely,鈥� Hasnat Quaiyum said.
Amar Bangladesh Party chairman Mohammad Mojibur Rahman Monju said that political parties should remain united for implementing spirits of students and people uprising.聽
Constitution expert Arif Khan, professionals Helemuzzaman, Rezaul Karim Taluder, Nagarik Oikya general secretary Shahidulla Kaisar, JSD general secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmod Shapon and standing committee member Siraj Mia also spoke at the discussion.