They said only a good governance can ensure human rights for all and for that a free and fair election is a must.

The roundtable titled 'Importance of mass awareness and free, fair and impartial election in establishing human rights' was organised by Bishwashanti O Manabadhikar Andolon at the National Press Club in the city.

Presenting a keynote paper, Fanindra Sarker said a weak and unstable government comes to power if the election is not free, fair and impartial.

"This kind of government tries to grab power through repression, false case and killing in gross violation of human rights," he added.

Hasanul Haq Inu, president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, said the government is the greatest violator of human rights as it is trying to foil a free and fair election through vote rigging.

He said people should be aware of their rights and should resist the alliance government.

Jatiya Party leader GM Quader said political criminalisation is the main bar to free and fair election.

"If we want to ensure human rights, an accountable democratic government has to be established," he added.

Chaired by Jamaluddin Sabuj, president of Bishwashanti O Manabadhikar Andolon, the roundtable was also addressed by Sangbad Editor Bazlur Rahman, acting editor of Bhorer Kagoj Shyamol Dutta, Prof Shaheda Obaid and Supreme Court Bar Association leader Maleka Parvin.