92 freedom fighters of Bangladesh shocked at fresh contempt petition

Ninety-two freedom fighters yesterday expressed shock and surprise over filing of a fresh petition for initiating contempt of court proceedings against Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder and freedom fighter Zafrullah Chowdhury, says a press release of Amra Rananganer Muktijodhdha.

In the release, they said the “ill motive of the so-called freedom fighters who filed the petition was questionable to freedom fighters”. They urged all to get united against any conspiracy to divide freedom fighters, said the press release, signed by freedom fighter Abdul Jabbar of Bhashani Anusari Parishad.

Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Maj Gen (retd) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Bir Protik, Col (retd) Monish Dewan, Faruk-E-Azam Bir Protik, Naim Jahangir, Mizanur Rahman Bir Protik, Maj (retd) Akter Ahmed Bir Protik, Maj (retd) Mizanur Rahman, Maj (retd) Manjur Ahmed Bir Protik, Maj (retd) Monibur Rahman, Fateh Ali Chowdhury, Dr Abdullah Al Mahmud Bir Protik, Habibul Alam Bir Protik, Ishtiak Aziz Ulfat, and advocate Fazlur Rahman are among the signatories to the statement.

Five individuals on Monday filed the petition with the International Crimes Tribunal-2 for initiating contempt proceedings against Zafrullah for his comments on June 10 when the same tribunal found Zafrullah guilty of contempt and imprisoned him at the courtroom for an hour for criticising punishment of Bangladesh-based UK journalist David Bergman.

After hearing submission from petitioners' counsels, the tribunal yesterday fixed July 12 for passing an order in this regard.

The petitioners are freedom fighters Manoranjan Ghoshal, Ajgar Ali and Sheikh Nazrul Islam, and Gonojagoron Mancha organisers Kamal Pasha Chowdhury and FM Shahin.