The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at the commemoration rally of Justice K M Sobhan yesterday said the late human rights leader was the guardian of activists for democracy and secularism. His departure has created a vacuum and the next generation, instilled with the memory of valour and commitment of late Sobhan, will have to come forward to fill this vacuum.

They demanded trial of war criminals to make Bangladesh secure saying trial of war criminals is an unfinished task of late Justice Sobhan and the young generation will have to stand united to finish it.

Sammilito Sanskritik Jote organised the mourning rally at the national Shaheed Minar in commemoration of Justice Sobhan who died at the age of 84 on 31 December.

Dr Zillur Rahman Chowdhury narrated contributions of Justice KM Sobhan in the various aspects of life and society. "K M Sobhan was brave and honest. He fought against communal repression, racism and fascism," he said.

Sector Commander of the Liberation War Major Gen (Retd) KM Shafiullah demanded the Government to initiated trial of war criminals in remembrance of the efforts of Justice Sobhan in this regard.

He called upon all to stand united to ensure the trial.

Dr S A Malek said many of us speak against communalism but do not materialise it in personal life. But non-communalism was the inherent practice of Justice Sobhan. He said departure of Justice Sobhan has wrought about a vacuum in the society.

Prof Anisuzzaman said Justice Sobhan worked relentlessly to establish democracy, human rights and rule of law.

Awami League Presidium Member Abdur Razzak termed late Sobhan as a valiant fighter for democracy.

"KM Sobhan expired at a time when his presence was of vital importance for the nation," he said adding "When human rights are being violated and conspiracy is being hatched everywhere, the new generation will have to come forward to establish non-communal Bangladesh."

CPB general secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim called upon all to work for establishing a repression and torture-free equitable Bangladesh that was cherished by K M Sobhan.

JSD president Hasanul Hoq Inu identified four challenges before the nation to meet within the year 2008, in case of a failure of which the nation will move towards a clash, he predicted.

He said, "Maintaining neutrality is the challenge of the caretaker government. To work in aid of civil administration and go back into the barrack with reputation is the challenge before the armed forces. To organise an acceptable election within the stipulated time is the challenge before the election commission. And to ensure trial of war criminals is the challenge before politicians. If we pass in these challenges, the year 1009 will be full of bliss and if we fail the next year will be a year of clash."

Barrister Amirul Islam commemorated the landmark judgements of KM Sobhan that increased prestige and dignity of the judiciary.

"He performed remarkable role to organise the intellectuals of the nation against negative consequences of the martial law. Now, in his absence we altogether will have to shoulder the responsibility," said the jurist.

Workers Party leader Hazera Sultana said Justice Sobhan was the guardian of the activists of human rights and democracy. He always fought against communalism and stood for secular Bangladesh.

Gonotantri Party leader Nurur Rahman Selim said late Sobhan was very fond of children and took part in various programmes of Khelaghar Asar, a children's organisation.

Prof AAMS Arefin Siddiqui said the memory of KM Sobhan is an asset to the nation and it should be protected.

Ramendu Mojumdar said Justice Sobhan dared to uphold Bangabandhu when mentioning the name of the assassinated founding father of the nation became risky under the regime of military rulers.

Kazi Rehan Sobhan, son of late KM Sobhan, expressed his determination and optimism to establish secularism and democracy in the county. "We will be able to built the beautiful, peaceful and harmonious Bangladesh, which was the aim of my father," he said.

Abul Mal Abdul Muhit, Asaduzzaman Noor, Syed Ashrafuzzaman and Prof Hamida Banu spoke in the rally, which was presided over by Nasiruddin Yussuf.