The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Freedom fighters Saturday urged the caretaker government to put the war criminals on trial as it is fighting against corruption, terrorism and black money holders. The freedom fighters also demanded special uniforms for them so that everyone could easily identify them.

The demands came from a reunion of freedom fighters organised by Rhythm Cultural Society at the auditorium of Jatiya Press Club in the morning.

Speaking at the function as chief guest, Dr Kamal Hossain said the war criminals must be tried under the law of the land. "There is no one who doesn't want their (war criminals) trial. There is no debate or division about it."

He said: "We'll have to build a prosperous and corruption-free Bangladesh being imbued with the spirit of our glorious liberation war. We couldn't yet show respect to our brave sons and family members of Shaheed freedom fighters as it should have been. It's very unfortunate and shameful for the nation."

The prominent jurist also urged the people to extend their helping hands to the cyclone-affected people as the nation did in 1971. "We' ve to be with them unitedly along with the government to face such a critical problem as we did in the country's most critical time in 1971."

He also said the government should take a national initiative to tackle such a natural disaster to ensure the participation of all. Moktijuddha Commander Mufizur Rahman said, "It's very unfortunate that we've to shout for the trial of war criminals even after the country's 36 years of independence. It's the failure of our political parties."

Nawrin Saba, daughter of Shaheed Major Nazmul Haque of sector-7, also spoke on the occasion. "Being here, I'm feeling the presence of my father and it makes me proud of him. I want immediate trial of the killers of my father," told the function with tears in her eyes. She urged the caretaker government to take steps to preserve the real history of the liberation war so that the next generation could get the right information about the freedom fighters and the independence war.