Manabendra Larma fought for rights of deprived people

Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain speaks at a discussion at the National Press Club auditorium in the city yesterday. On his right is Haider Akbar Khan Rano and on his left are Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui and Comrade Khalequzzaman.Photo: STAR

Speakers at a discussion yesterday paid tributes to Manabendra Narayan Larma, former chief of Parbatya Chattagram Janasanghati Samity, on the occasion of his 24th death anniversary.
They said MN Larma did not fight for the leadership but to establish the rights of deprived people of the society.
The speakers said Manabendra Narayan Larma, popularly known as MN Larma, was not only a leader of ethnic minorities but also a leader of all deprived people of the society.
The discussion was organised by the National Committee to observe the 24th death anniversary of MN Larma at the National Press Club auditorium in the city.
At the discussion, eminent journalist Syed Abul Maksud presented a keynote paper on MN Larma.
He said MN Larma had all the qualifications to become one of the best parliamentarians in the parliamentary history of Bangladesh.
“He used to talk very boldly for deprived people of the society including ethnic minorities as well as poor farmers and daily labourers while delivering speech in parliament. But outside the House, he was very friendly with everybody,” said Maksud in his paper.
Taking part in the discussion, Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain said MN Larma maintained his ideology till his death.
“He fought for establishing an indiscriminate society for all,” said Dr Kamal who is also an eminent jurist of the country.
Pankaj Bhattacharya, Haider Akbar Khan Rano, Abdullah Sarkar, Jyotiprova Larma, sister of MN Larma, Rokeya Kabir and Rabindranath Soren also spoke at the programme which was conducted by Sanjeeb Drong, secretary general of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum.
The speakers said MN Larma was the pioneer of Jhoom nationalism.
They also called for constitutional recognition of hill people.
The 100-member National Committee also organised a blood donation programme at the press club on the occasion.
They also placed floral wreath at the portrait of MN Larma.