The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Awami League yesterday demanded exemplary punishment those who attacked a freedom fighter for raising voice against the war criminals of 1971 at a conference of Jatiya Muktijoddha Parishad on July 11.

The party will hold a meeting on July 15 at its central office on Bangabandhu Avenue protesting "attack on freedom fighters."

The AL will also go on a "hunger strike" on July 19 protesting the price hike of the essentials.

AL Acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam announced the programmes after a presidium meeting held at the Gulshan residence of the party's acting president Zillur Rahman.

Criticising the alleged harassment of a freedom fighter at a recent Jama'at-e-Islami backed Jatiya Muktijoddha Parishad conference, he said: "Strong punitive measures must be taken against those who were involved in insulting a freedom fighter."

A group of Jamaat leaders assaulted a freedom fighter when he demanded punishment to the 1971 war criminals for rapes and killings while he was delivering speech.

Protesting the price-hike of fuel and other essentials, the AL would observe mass hunger strike across the country on July 19 from 10am to 5pm, he said.

The AL presidium members also reiterated the demand for sending party leader and former home minister Mohammad Nasim abroad for better treatment and warned the Government would be held responsible if anything happens to Nasim, Ashraful noted.

He urged the Government to ensure better treatment for other detained leaders, including AL presidium member Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Joint General Secretary Obaidul Kader, Chittagong mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Sylhet mayor Badaruddin Ahmed Kamran and Awami Swechchhasevak League General Secretary Pankaj Devnath.