6th year of Udichi tragedy passes off, none convicted

Ten people were killed and 150 injured as several powerful bombs tore through a Udichi cultural function on the night of March 6, 1999 at Jessore Town Hall ground.

The day is being observed here as a 'Culture Protection Day."

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The programme began last night with lighting of candles at the blast site, joined by political leaders and cultural activists.

It will be followed today by a blood donation programme and formation of a human chain on the Bar Library premises, a candle light procession and a cultural programme in the city, all arranged to press the demand for punishment of the killers.

The case is under trial in the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge-4. April 14 in the next date of hearing.

Out of 24 chargesheeted, three are in jail hajat, one is absconding and 19 are on bail. Those on bail include former Jessore Pourasabha commissioners Nurunnabi and Mohiuddin.

At least 12 of the injured have become disabled.

Award wining guitarist Sukanto Das, son of Gopinath Das of Tantipara area, was a first year honours studnent at that time. A bomb tore away his right hand and critically injured his right leg. The leg was amputated. He is now a disabled person and can no longer play guitar.

Nahid, another victim, lost both his legs. He now runs a small tea stall to earn two meals a day.

Badal Das lost one of his legs. There are many other victims like them who are dragging a miserable existence and have become burdens on others.

RU Correspondent reports: Rajshahi University unit of 'Udichi' yesterday formed a human

chain in front of the Central Library demanding punishment of culprits behind the bomb attacks on the Udichi Nation Council in Jessore on March 6, 1999.

Several thousand students sporting black badges and carrying placards took part in the programme. They included activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League, Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Bangladesh Chhatra Federation, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Anushilon Drama Group, Nattya Dure, Thirthok Drama Group and Gono Shilphy Sangstha.

Speaking on the occasion, Udichi RU President Prof Bidhan Chandra Shaha bitterly criticised the government for its failure to try the killers.

Udichi also held a discussion meeting at Momtaj Uddin Arts Building, where the speakers said prominent intellectuals, journalists and political leaders are being killed under the rule of the BNP-led government. Killings are rising because the killers are not punished.

The speakers included Prof Anando Kumar Shaha, Moloy Kumar, Abu Bakkar Siddik, BCL President Ibrahim Hossain Moon, BCU General Secretary Anwar Ujjal and BCF leader Murad. Prof Bidhan Chandra Shaha presided over the meeting.

They alleged that the BNP-Jamaat alliance government is'patronising' fundamentalist forces. They also urged all progressive organisations to unite against fundamentalist forces.