Dhaka: BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the recognition of the historic 7th March speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a world documentary heritage is a matter of joy.

He, however, alleged that Awami League has forced students and officials to join the Suhrawardy Udyan rally arranged to mark the recognition of the speech.

"A big rally is being held today (Saturday). They're saying it's a civic rally not any political programme to mark the Unesco's recognition of the March 7 speech as a world documentary heritage. We think it's a matter of joy," the BNP leader told a discussion.

He further said, "But letters were sent to every school and college with a warning that teachers will lose their jobs if they don't join the rally with their students. Bankers were also threatened that their salary will be cut if they don't go there. Students were seen taking to the rally in buses."

Fakhrul alleged that Awami League is snatching all the basic rights of people and deceiving them with their false statements.

Bhasani Smrity Sangsad arranged the discussion at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) arranged by Bhasani Smrity Sangsad marking the 41st death anniversary of great national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani.

On October 30, Unesco recognised the Bangabandhu's historic March 7 speech as part of the world's documentary heritage.

To celebrate the recognition, the Citizens' Committee under the supervision of Prof Anisuzzaman arranged the rally at historic Suhrawardy Udyan where Bangabandhu had delivered the speech in 1971.