Speakers at a discussion yesterday paid tributes to Manabendra Narayan Larma, founder general secretary of Parbatya Chattagram Janasanghati Samity, on the occasion of his 25th death anniversary.

They said MN Larma. a leader of indigenous community, had dedicated himself to establishing the rights of deprived people whoever they maybe -- a member of ethnic community or a Bengali.

The National Committee to observe the 25th death anniversary of MN Larma organised the discussion at the National Press Club in the city.

Prof Kabir Chowdhury said MN Larma was not only the best leader of hills people but also the leader of all deprived people.

Prof Serajul Islam Chowdhury said, "We could not yet achieve the freedom we wanted and MN Larma dreamt of, because we could not try' the war criminals and recognise the ethnic minoritypeople."

"We and MN Larma dreamt of the same dream -- a secular democratic Bangladesh - - but it is yet to be accomplished," saidProflslam.

Journalist Kamal Lohani delivered the MN Larma memorial lecture at the programme.

Former adviser to the caretaker government Advocate Sultana Kamal. CPB President Manjurul Ahsan Khan, Workers Party leader Haider Akbar Khan Rano, Prof Dalem Chandra Barman, Prof Sadeka Halim, writer Selina Hossain and Sanjeeb Drong, secretary general of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, also spoke at the programme moderated by Associate Professor Robayet Ferdous of Dhaka University.