Nation calls for speedy war trial
The nation yesterday celebrated its 40th Victory Day commemorating the heroes who gallantly made the best of all sacrifices for the country’s liberation in 1971.
However, the people’s demand for the completion of the war crimes trials in a fair and acceptable manner rang loud and clear amid all the decoration and celebration.
The celebration began with twenty-one gun salutes at national parade square in the capital with the break of the light. The national flag was hoisted atop at all government, semi-government and other important establishments.
It was public holiday yesterday.
People with flowers and banners of different political, social, cultural and professional organisations gathered at monuments across the country to honour and show respect to the sons and daughters who sacrificed everything possible for the independence of Bangladesh.
President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the country in paying tributes to its war heroes by placing wreaths at National Mausoleum at Savar on Thursday morning.
They stood in solemn silence for a few minutes.
Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia paid tribute to martyrs at the National Mausoleum and placed wreaths at the grave of freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman.
Tens of thousands of people brimming with the spirit of independence gathered at the National Mausoleum to pay homage to freedom fighters and commemorate the sacrifices of those who are living with the memories of 1971.
Air force jets staged a spectacular fly past while the army, navy and other armed forces including police staged Victory Day parade at the National Parade Square.
President Zillur Rahman took the salute while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among thousands to witness the function.
The veterans of the Liberation War later attended a function at Suhrawardy Udyan, the then Race Course Maidan, in Dhaka where on this day in 1971 Pakistani army surrendered to the allied Bangladeshi and Indian troops.
As many as three million Bengalis died in the Liberation War led by the interim Bangladesh government in exile.
From the early morning, parts of the city wore a festive look. Many buildings, vehicles, main thoroughfares and road islands were decorated with national flags of different shapes and sizes along with banners inscribed with ‘Happy Victory Day’.
Popular patriotic songs played through loudspeakers in many streets and shops throughout the day as the pedestrians and bystanders hummed along the tunes.
While the city streets seemed deserted in early morning, traffic queues crept into many thoroughfares as enthusiastic people carrying banners of different political, social, cultural and professional organisations, and singing patriotic songs flooded the streets.
But the traffic jams did little to dampen the spirit of day.
Dressed in red and green clothing, men, women and children flocked into at various monuments, parks, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban area and many other public places to participate in the many cultural programmes across the city.
“I took my children to the National Mausoleum at Savar to pay tributes to the war heroes. They need to take part in the celebrations to understand the significance of the day,” said Md Al Amin, who was seen returning to the city with his three children after a visit to Savar.
To mark the glorious day, newspapers have published special supplements while television channels and radio stations broadcasted special discussion and cultural programmes.
Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam yesterday, after placing wreath at the National Mausoleum, said, “The government is committed to the trials of war criminals. The trial will start in two to three months and will be completed within the tenure of this government.”
Any conspiracies to impede the trial will be dealt with an iron hand, added Ashraf.
Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sazeda Chowdhury also said that the war crimes trial would be finished in one year.
By doing so, AL will be able to fulfil one of its major electoral pledges, she said addressing a brief rally prior to AL’s Dhaka unit Victory Day procession from Engineering Institution to Dhanmondi road No 32.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said government has put the independence at stake by serving others instead of protecting country’s interest. She urged the people to be up against it.
