The discussion titled 'Operation Jackpot in Liberation War' was organised by Bangladesh Muktijoddha Non- Commando Association (BMNCA) at the Liberation War Museum in the city.

Speaking as chief guest, AK Khondkar said people fought the war to live a life free from hunger and exploitation.

"But their dream is still unfulfilled with 56 percent of total population living below the poverty line," he added.

Expressing his optimism AK Khondkar said, "If our unarmed people can defeat a well-trained regular army, they must be able to build a happy and prosperous country uprooting all evil forces from the land."

He also appreciated the role of 800-900 marine commandos who took part in the Operation Jackpot in 1971.

Due to their operation, supply of arms and ammunition to Pakistan army was disrupted and shipping agencies, who brought the army's supplies, were disinterested in anchoring their ships at the port as the risk of being sunk was high, said AK Khondkar.

Taking part in the discussion Colonel (Retd) Shawkat Ali MP said to build a non-communal, secular and democratic society the progressive people should fight the evil forces with new strategy.

Chaired by Chairman of the association Shahjahan Kabir Bir Pratik, the programme was also addressed by its Secretary General Commando Md Khalilur Rahman and Member Secretary of the Museum Trustee Board Dr Sarwar Ali.