Demand for trial of war criminals gets louder
Demonstrations held at Rajshahi University, Barisal, Meherpur, Gaibandha
Rajshahi University Muktijoddhar Santan Command forms a human chain on the campus yesterday demanding trial of war criminals.Photo: STAR
Protests mounted yesterday in several districts against assault of a freedom fighter in Dhaka by activists of Jamaat-Shibir on July 11. The protesters demanded a ban on Jatiya Muktijoddha Parishad floated by Jamaat, punishment of their activists who assaulted freedom fighter Sheikh Mohammad Ali and punishment of war criminals, reports out RU Correspondent. They said Jamaat floated the fake FFs body only to mislead genuine freedom fighters and the people. At Rajshahi university, demonstrations by several hundred teachers and students under the banner of Muktijoddhar Santan (sons and daughters of freedom fighters) continued for the fifth day. They held a rally in front the Central Library and formed a human chain. Carrying posters, placard and banners, they earlier paraded the campus, chanting slogans against Jamaat-Shibir and a ban on their politics on campuses across the country. A large number of Shibir activists were present on the campus during the demonstrations, campus sources said. The rally was also addressed by teachers. They said Jamaat organized the meeting of some fake freedom fighters in the capital on July 11 with a motive to mislead the nation and disgrace genuine freedom fighters. Demanding immediate ban on so-called Jatiya Muktijoddha Parishad, they said war criminals formed the organisation with fake freedom fighters only to divert the nation's attention from the demand for trial of war criminals. The speakers urged all-progressive organisation including student bodies, freedom fighters, professionals and cultural activists to unite to fight anti-liberation forces and socially boycott them. They reiterated their earlier July 21 deadline to the government for arrest and punishment of culprits responsible for the assault of freedom fighters Sheikh Mohammad Ali and threatened of tougher agitation for non-compliance. Freedom Fighter Prof Moloy Kumar Bhowmik, Prof Fayekuzzman, Prof SM Abu Bakker, Prof Sujit Sarker and Prof Dr Rezaul Karim addressed the rally, among others. Convener of Muktijoddhar Santan Zinna-Al-Mamun presided. Earlier on the day, RU units of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), Progotishil Chhatra Jote (PCJ) and Bangladesh Chhatra Union (BCU) also brought out separate processions on the campus protesting the assault on a freedom fighter. In Meherpur, foredoom fighters held a rally demanded immediate arrest and punishment of those involved in assaulting freedom fighters Sheikh Ali, reports our Kushtia Correspondent. Bangladesh Muktijoddah Oikya Parishad (BMOP) Meherpur organised the rally, held on Meherpur Press Club premises. Apeakers at the rally criticised the government's silence to the demand for punishment of the culprits. They also demanded a ban on the Jamaat backed so-called freedom fighters forum. In Tangail, a protest meeting and a human chain were held at Gopalpur upazila protesting Jamaat-Shibir activists attack on freedom fighter Mohammad Ali Aman who hailed from Tokkashi village in Gopalpur upazila of the district. Gopalpur Upazila Muktijoddha Command Council organised the programmes on the premises of local a school, reports our Kushtia Correspondent. Leaders of Awami League, Communist Party, JSD and freedom fighters in Gaibandha formed human chain and held a rally in front of Gaibandha Freedom Fighter's Sangsad office, reports our cCorrespondent. They demanded ban on Jatiyo Muktijodha Parishad, punishment of culprits and trial of war criminals. Our Barisal Correspondent reports: Students of Government BM University College held a rally, formed a human chain and brought out a procession on the campus protesting auuaust of the freedom fighter and demanding punishment of the culprits. They said henous activities of anti-liberation forces will not stop so long war criminals are not tries. The programmes were also participated by activists of Chhatra League, Progotishil Chhatra Jote (PCJ) and Chhatra Union. They also demanded punishment leaders of the so-called Jatiya Muktijoddha Parished for their derogatory comments about the principles of Liberation War. Muktijoddha Sanshid in Barisal and Communist Party of Bangladesh, in separate statements strongly condemned the assault on freedom fighter.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments