HC cautions BB on distortion of history in book

The High Court yesterday observed that distortion of history in the Bangladesh Bank-published book "Bangladesh Bank-er Itihas (History of Bangladesh Bank)" "caused bloodshed in the hearts of all."

The officials concerned of Bangladesh Bank, who were responsible for publishing the book, have done unpardonable offense by distorting the history of Bangabandhu and his contribution in establishing the central bank, it said.

With this observation, the court cautioned the officials concerned of Bangladesh Bank saying that they must remain careful so that such distortions don't take place in the future.

The HC bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Mohammad Ali came up with the observation and warning while delivering verdict on a writ petition filed by Dr Kazi Ertaza Hasan in 2018, challenging the distortion of history in the book.

The HC bench disposed of the writ petition as the BB officials responsible for publishing the book have apologised to the court earlier and destroyed all the  books containing the distortion.

In the petition, Kazi Ertaza Hasan said Bangladesh Bank published the book in December of 2017. In it, pictures of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was not included, and his contribution in establishing Bangladesh Bank was not mentioned in detail.

In the book, pictures of then Pakistan president Ayub Khan and then East Pakistan provincial governor Abdul Monem Khan were published instead, he said, adding that the independence and the Liberation War of Bangladesh have been diminished due to this act.

Following the petition, the HC in October 2018 issued a rule asking respondents to explain why the distortion of history in the book should not be declared illegal.

Lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua appeared for the writ petitioner while lawyer Ajmalul Hossain stood for BB officials and Deputy Attorney General Kazi Mynul Hasan represented the state.