November 7 is a historic day that rekindled a new hope of the nation paving the way for establishment of multiparty democracy and fundamental rights, said speakers at a discussion in the city yesterday.

"Multiparty democracy, fundamental rights and freedom of press and rules of law were established following the development of the day. The government is hatching conspiracy against the spirit of November 7. Had not November 7 happened, the history of the country might have been different. Those who are trying to go back to 1972 Constitution, in fact want to throw away the spirit of November 7," they said.

Their observation came at a discussion marking the 7th November as 'National Revolution and Solidarity Day' organised by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the auditorium of Institute of Engineers Bangladesh. BNP chairperson and Leader of the Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia was present at the discussion but did not take part in it. Khandader Delwar Hossain, secretary general of BNP presided over the discussion while Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, office secretary of the party moderated the function. The speakers said founder of BNP Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman himself did not capture the state power rather the soldiers and people together put him to power to free them from a suffocating situation. They called upon all the nationalist forces to unite with the spirit of November 7 for protecting the country's independence and sovereignty as well as securing their fundamental rights.

BNP leader Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman brought about massive changes in the country through multiparty democracy, recognising fundamental rights and incorporating Bismillah in the preamble of the Constitution. "The expansionists forces are hatching conspiracy against the country. The government is trying to implement their blueprint to make the country a failed state," he said. Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, MP, said Shaheed president Zia had abolished one party rule and established multi-party democracy in the country. Criticising the government for its move to give corridor to the neighbouring country, the former Speaker said, "Without the consent of the opposition, the corridor can not be given to the neighbouring country". Brig Gen (Retd) ASM Hannan Shah, member of BNP chairperson's advisory council said, lawlessness, starvation and terrorism were widely visible during 1972 to 1975.

Khandaker Delwar said, there was no difference between the liberation war and November 7 spirit. "Ziaur Rahman proclaimed the independence and again led the nation after the development of November 7, 1975," he said. Mentioning the present situation as grave, he said, corruption, repression by the government on the opposition leaders were now a common feature. He called upon all nationalists and patriotic forces to unite in the spirit of November 7 to secure the country's sovereignty and independence. BNP leaders M Samsul Islam, Mirza Abbas, Major Gen (Retd) Ruhul Amin Chowdhury, former Vice Chancellors of Dhaka University (DU) Prof Emajuddin and Prof Moniruzzamn Mia, Prof Mahbubullah of DU and Prof Aminul Islam of Shahajalal University of Science and Technology, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Earlier in the morning, the BNP chairperson offered munajat after laying floral wreaths at the mazar of party founder Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman. Party's top leaders and and activists also paid rich tribute to Ziaur Rahman. Khaleda Zia, also visited a blood donation programme at the mazar premises organised by Jatiyatabadi Sanskritik Sangsad (JSS), a cultural front of the party. BNP Secretary General Khondker Delwar Hossain, former speaker Jamiruddin Sircar, former minister Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, M Shamsul Islam, Abdullah Al Noman, Tariqul Islam, Mirza Abbas, Selima Rahman, Dhaka Mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka and Jubo Dal leader Moazzem Hossain Alal, Shechchasebak Dal leader Habib-un-Nabi Sohel, Chhatra Dal leader Sultan Salauddin Tuku and Amirul Islam Alim, among others, were present.

Meanwhile, some political parties believing in Bangladeshi nationalism also observed the occasion in befitting manner. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami arranged a discussion at the National Press Club. Ameer of jamaat Moulana Matiur Rahman Nizami was present as the chief guest. Bangladesh Islamic Party (BIP) called for national unity at a discussion to mark the National Revolution and Solidarity Day. BIP president Advocate Abdul Mobin presided over the discussion. Dr Abdul Baset, MA Rashid Prodhan and Siddique Ahmed, among others, spoke. National Democratic Party (NDP), Bangladesh NAP and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) also held discussions on the day. NAP Secretary General M Golam Mostafa Bhuiyan termed November 7 as turning point of country's national politics. PDP leaders said in their discussion that the country's independence and sovereignty was consolidated through the National Revolution and Solidarity day.

-New Nation