Utter disrespect to our martyrs

We have been covering this issue for some time now in this newspaper. Hence when it comes to light that 13 mass killing grounds of Pakistani occupation army during the war of liberation in 1971 are lying in neglect we take great offence. The government spares no expense while observing Victory Day nationally. Yet, we find that the largest of the 13 killing grounds, situated next to Lalmonirhat Railway station, is being used as a rickshaw stand. 

Forty-six years ago, the Pakistani forces with the aid of their collaborator cohorts killed around 600 from nearby villages and buried them here in a mass grave. While this particular massacre may have faded from the collective memory of the nation's people, we find it perplexing that the concerned ministry has not taken any meaningful steps to preserve the site for its historical significance.

It is a tragedy that we have failed to honour our martyrs. That such a site can become a rickshaw stand is a slap in the face of the hundreds who perished as a result of premeditated killing by an occupying army and local collaborators. This, unfortunately, is the situation all over the country. Back in March, we wrote in an editorial the neglect other sites have similarly suffered. What is the point of having a ministry of liberation war affairs if it does not look into preserving the historical sites of the war of independence? Memorials are erected at these sites of mass killing and burial to remind younger generations that the freedom they enjoy came at a heavy price.