This was stated by the freedom fighters at a reunion in the city yesterday.

The reunion was organised by Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) on Nagar Bhaban premises to mark the 35th anniversary of Victory Day.

The freedom fighters urged their fellow men to be united again and launch their struggle anew along with common people to fulfil the unattained goals of the war of independence.

Speaking at the reunion, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the liberation war Air Vice-Marshal (Retd) AK Khondkar said, "Being moved by their conscience freedom fighters participated in the liberation war. They had no expectation for any post or position or money."

"Freedom fighters fought to live a free life in a free country," Khondkar said, adding, "We are far behind in attaining the goals for which we fought during the liberation war."

After 35 years of independence we should think what we got as a nation and what we are leaving for our young generation," he said.

"Only through implanting the spirit of liberation war in the minds of our youth, our unfinished task can be accomplished," he observed.

Khondkar also called for ending ongoing political impasse and laid emphasis on holding a free and fair election.

He also spoke of people's right to information saying that it can help stop corruption in the country.

Speaking about the history of the liberation war Brig Gen (Retd) MA Matin said nobody should capitalise Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and former President Ziaur Rahman for political gains, rather they should be made the idols of our national life.

Lt Gen (Retd) Mir Shawkat Ali said freedom fighters might belong to different political platforms, but on the question of the spirit of the liberation war, they all were and are still united.

Talking about the anti-liberation forces, Shawkat, also the vice-chairman of BNP, said, "I do politics of BNP, but I do not practice Rajakar (collaborators) philosophy."

Citing references from the holy Qur'an and Hadith he concluded, "I do not consider them Muslims who were against the liberation war."

On the occasion of the reunion, hundreds of veteran freedom fighters gathered on Nagar Bhaban premises where they passionately embraced each other.

They also thanked the DCC authorities for arranging the programme and called for arranging such programmes every year.

Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka delivered the welcome address while Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam and Lt Col (Retd) Qazi Nuruzzaman also spoke.