Dhaka: As the government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia prepares to roll out the red carpet to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf who arrives to Dhaka on July 29, there is growing opposition to his visit to Bangladesh from Left parties and their students' outfits.

Six students' organisations, in a joint statement, said that during Bangladesh's Liberation war in 1971 Musharraf was in Pakistan Army and as such the General had direct and active role in the massacre that took place in this country.

Three million Bangladeshis were killed and nearly two lakh women were dishonoured by Pakistan Army and their local henchmen during the liberation war.

The organisations, which included Bangladesh Chhatra Union, student's front of the Communist Party of Bangladesh and Chhatra Maitree, front of Workers Party said, Mushraraf "is not only usurper of power, but one who has brought about such changes in that country that autocratic military rule becomes a permanent feature in Pakistan".

They said because of Musharraf's action, the restoration of democracy in Pakistan will be tough work, newspapers reported on July 19 quoting a joint statement.

Because of these reasons "we under no circumstances accept the visit of Musharraf," the statement said.

Earlier an 11-party alliance of Left and Centre-Left parties opposed the visit of Musharaff saying it will encourage ISI agents and collaborators in Bangladesh. The Workers Party in a resolution described the trip as "undesirable and unacceptable".

PTI