BNP standing committee member Barrister Moudud Ahmed on Wednesday denied allegations brought against him relating to his book that stated that Gen Zia had decided to execute Col Taher much before forming the military tribunal. Citing some portions of a book written by BNP leader Moudud Ahmed titled ‘Democracy and Challenge of Development: A Study of Political and Military Intervention in Bangladesh’, a High Court bench on May 20 in a full verdict said that Gen Ziaur Rahman had formed the military tribunal to execute Col Taher in order to satisfy army officers who had returned from Pakistan. Zia had decided to execute Taher much before the formation of the so-called tribunal, the HC observed.
“The statements which were published in various national dailies citing my book reference over the Col Taher killing were not correct. I did not write such type of statement in my book,” Moudud said at a pres conference at the Supreme Court Law Reporters Unity (LRF) conference room on Wednesday.
“When it came to the sentencing of Taher, the repatriated officers wanted him hanged- out of 46 senior army officers summoned by Zia to discuss the issue, all were in favour of this ultimate and final form of punishment,” Moudud mentioned this portion from his book.
“The media reports which referred my book were not correct following the HC verdict on May 20 over the Col Taher killing case,” Moudud claimed.
However, he said that Col Taher is entitled to get all honour and respect for his contributions as a freedom fighter.
“Taher’s trial had been completed 40 years ago. The then political and social circumstances were different. Hence, the situation was taken in consideration during his trial proceedings,” he noted.
Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokan, barrister Badroddoza Badal and advocate Golam Kibria were present among others during the briefing.
-With The Independent input
