Dhaka: Human rights activist Sultana Kamal on Saturday called upon all to awaken the ideals of revolutionary Pritilata Waddeder among the country's young generation.

Sultana Kamal, also a former caretaker government adviser, made the call while speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking the 106th birthday of Bengali revolutionary Pritilata Waddeder.

Bhorer Kagoj, national Bengali daily, and Pritilata Trust jointly organised the programme titled 'Banglar Swadhinatar Agnishikha' (Flame of Bengal's Independence) at National Press Club.

Sultana Kamal said, "Vultures are trying to grab our national flag. Now we need to awaken the ideals of Pritilata among the young generation. We have to bring her at the forefront and move ahead to build a complete secular state."

Pritilata is a noble part of history, said Sultana Kamal, adding, "The names of Pritilata and other revolutionaries ring bells whenever we think of independence. We cannot have the existence without them."

She went on saying, "Pritilata and other revolutionaries gifted the younger generation a new country, new life and new flag. Our independence becomes meaningless if we exclude them. They presented us with high ideals; this is the high time to think whether we're following those ideals or not."

Language Movement leader Rushnara Bachchu, Nasimun Ara Minu, Prof Gitiara Nasreen of Dhaka University and founder president of Pritilata Trust and Pankaj Chakrabarty also spoke at the programme held with Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta in the chair.

Pankaj Chakrabarty called upon the authorities to mark Pritilata's birthday with state honour.

Pritilata Waddeder was born on May 5, 1911 in the then British India and sacrificed her life on September 24, 1932 at Pahartali of Chittagong during an attack on a European club, which had a sign board that read 'Dogs and Indians not allowed'.