The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers yesterday called upon the caretaker government to establish a "Mitra Bahini Smriti Complex" (Allied Forces Memorial Complex) in memory of the war heroes of the liberation war in 1971.

The call was made at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city organised by Citizens Rights Movement.

Former Secretary Sayed Margub Murshed, an Adviser of the Rights group, presided over the programme and General Secretary Tushar Rehman read out a written statement.

Former president of Dhaka Bar Advocate Fakir Dalwar Hossain moderated the function, while professor of Dhaka University Dr Nimchandra Bhoumik, Freedom Fighter Maj (Retd) Ziauddin, among others, attended the press conference.

Tushar Rehman in his statement said, with the inception of the war around one crore people from this country took shelter in India to save their lives from the attack of the Pakistani occupation forces.

Besides, the then political leaders also took shelter in India for strategic reasons and planned for a temporary government to conduct the war, he added.

Recalling the contribution of India to the liberation war, Tushar said the Mitra Bahini (Allied Forces) was formed comprising Indian army and Mukti Bahini at the end of the war to help expedite the victory.

Margub Murshed called upon the government to pay tributes to Mitra Bahini by establishing a monument soon.

It was possible to form a strong resistance against Pakistan army when the Indian government extended support to the freedom fighters, he added.

Stressing the need for a monument Nimchandra Bhoumik said the demanded "Mitra Bahini Smriti Complex" should be established at the Suhrawardi Udayan where the surrender ceremony was signed.

The speakers said a city street should also be named after Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the liberation war.