Manabendra Narayan Larma does not belong to any particular group or party; he is a leader for all to follow, said speakers at a memorial programme marking the 35th death anniversary of the eminent politician.

A national committee to observe his death anniversary organised the programme at the Bokultola of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University (DU) yesterday.

Speaking at the programme, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) President Mujahidul Islam Selim said MN Larma wanted the recognition of his own people and their ethnicity, and did not get derailed from his ideology.

"He not only worked for his own people, but also worked for the under-privileged, oppressed and also raised voice for rights of women," he said.

Oikya Nap President Pankaj Bhattacharya said Larma's bold demand in the parliament for the rights of his community was courageous, and such a brave soul should always be celebrated.

DU Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Muhammad Samad said, "MN Larma does not belong to any particular group, in the same way (the phrase] 'Joy Bangla' and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman do not."

"A revolutionary leader cannot be confined to a particular place or time. Everyone respects Cuban revolutionist Che Guevara, so in the same way MN Larma deserves to be respected," said eminent columnist Syed Abul Maksud.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Ayesha Khanam said during his lifetime, MN Larma fought for women's rights, which is rare among current politicians.

Member Secretary of the committee Dipayan Khisha urged all to commemorate the day remembering his ideology and practise them in life.

CPB Adviser and Convener of the national committee Manzurul Ahsan Khan presided over the programme, while DU Prof Robaet Ferdous moderated the session.

MN Larma, born September 15,1939, was a prominent Chakma politician and a leading proponent of the rights of CHT people.