Recognition of Harijan FFs sought

Bangladesh Harijan Oikya Parishad (BHOP) yesterday at a memorial meeting demanded that the government recognise 10 martyrs of the Liberation War from the Harijan community as freedom fighters.

"The 10 martyrs… did not get their recognition as freedom fighters, even after 46 years of the country's independence. It is very painful and saddening," said BHOP Secretary General Nirmal Chandra Das.

After picking up the 10 men from their homes, the Pakistani occupation forces along with their local collaborators brutally killed them on November 22, 1971. Their bodies were later found at the Rayerbazar Boddho Bhumi (killing ground) in the capital.

They are: Ram Charan Das, Lalu Das, Khalbal Das, Esshwar Lal, Anwar Lal, Nanda Lal, Shankar Das Hela, Mashita Das, Nandu Lal and Mahabir Lal Samondo.

Every year the Harijan community observes the day (November 22), commemorating them and their sacrifices.

BHOP and Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), which works for human rights and good governance, held the memorial meeting to give "certificates of accolades" to the martyrs' families at Aga Sadeq Road City Colony.

When addressing the programme, Nirmal said the 10 Harijan martyrs sacrificed their lives for the country's independence, but no governments recognised them as freedom fighters.

"We are solemnly urging the government to ensure justice to the families by recognising the martyrs…," added the BHOP secretary general.

He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for taking steps to ensure 80 percent quota for the Harijan people in the profession of cleaners and sweepers in government, semi-government and autonomous organisations, including municipalities and city corporations.

Arun Lal Samondo, son of martyr Mahabir Lal Samondo, lamented that in the last three decades, they had approached to all governments at different times to get recognition for the sacrifices his father made, but none took heed of their urges.

"We feel very honoured that my father sacrificed his life for saving some of the freedom fighters and for the country during the war. But discrimination and the government's indifference to recognising my father and his co-martyrs disappoint us," Arun added.

Shipping Minister M Shahjahan Khan spoke as chief guest at the programme chaired by BHOP Chairperson Krishna Lal, while local ward councillor Haji Awal was a special guest.

MJF Programme Manager Khandaker Rezwanul Karim also spoke.