13 mass killing grounds lie neglected

Thirteen mass killing grounds of the Pakistan occupation army during the Liberation War in 1971 here are lying neglected after over four decades of the country's independence.

Authorities concerned are yet to take any steps to protect the historical sites.

Moreover, the biggest of the 13 grounds situated beside Lalmonirhat Railway Station is now being used as rickshaw stands.

The Pakistan army and their local collaborator killed hundreds of people and buried them at Khedabag in Lalmonirhat Sadar, Doljor, Bhelabari, Polashi and Mohishkhocha villages in Aditmari, Bhotmari and Dolgram villages in Kaliganj and Gaddimari and Barakhata villages in Hatibandha upazilas.

On April 5, 1971, Pakistan army killed nearly 600 people and buried all in a mass grave at Railway Wireless Colony.

Freedom Fighter (FF) Abu Bakkar Siddique said Pakistani army picked railway officers, employees, teachers, businessmen and cultural activists and killed them there.

Over 200 people, who were fleeing to India to save their lives, were killed when Pakistan army opened fire on them indiscriminately near Barobari Bazar in Sadar upazila on April 25, FF Entaz Ali said.

Besides, at least 52 people lost their lives during a dreadful fight with the Pakistan forces at Saptibari village in Aditmari upazila on June 8.

Mezbah Uddin, commander of Lalmonirhat district unit of Muktijoddha Sangsad, said they urged the ministry concerned several times to protect the historical sites but to no effect.