'Bring war criminals to book'
Family members of martyred doctors during the liberation war yesterday reiterated their pledge to bring war criminals to justice, saying that the nation wants an end to the fight for justice that started 38 years ago.
They took the vow at the launching ceremony of the book titled 'Muktijuddhey Shaheed Chikitshak Jibonkosh' by Dr Baizid Khoorshid Riaz.
Sponsored by Grameenphone and published by Sahitya Prakash, the 440-page book portrays the lives and dedication of 81 doctors and 10 talented medical students who braved guns of the Pakistani soldiers and their collaborators.
The author of the book said article 4 of the 4th Geneva Convention states that doctors, nurses and other medical personnel are protected during the war.
But in 1971, the hyaenas and their collaborators did not show mercy to the doctors. They even killed doctors inside the operation theatres. Their contribution often remains unknown to many.
The number of doctors massacred in 1971 is overwhelmingly high, he said, adding that they deserve special tributes for their contribution.
Families of the martyred doctors were honoured at the programme. They shared their traumatic experiences during the liberation war.
Demanding trial of the war criminals, Shyamoli Nasrin Chowdhury, wife of Shaheed Dr AFM Abdul Alim Chowdhury, said the nation still eagerly awaits justice.
The families of freedom fighters and martyrs are still struggling in a free country, she said, urging the government to lend a hand to these families.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said they [Pakistani occupation forces] massacred all the gifted sons of the soil to intellectually impair Bangladesh. Even after the independence, the nation experienced many setbacks and the history of the nation was being constantly altered with misinformation.
She said the present government is keen on bringing the war criminals to justice and also revealing the true history of the country.
Health Minister AFM Ruhul Haque as the chief guest said it is a shame that the war criminals are still roaming scot-free in the country and they also shared power with the government.
Along with revealing contribution of the brave sons, it is also important to expose the identities of the persons responsible for the heinous crime against humanity in 1971, he stressed.
Establishment and Administration Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister HT Imam unveiled the cover of the book at the event.
He said the nation is indebted to the martyrs for their contribution, adding that the war criminals would be brought to justice at any cost.
Chief Executive Officer of Grameenphone Oddvar Hesjedal, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs AB Tajul Islam, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mojibur Rahman Fakir, cultural activist Nasiruddin Yusuf Bacchu, Director of Shahitya Prakash Mofidul Islam and Health Secretary Sheikh Altaf Ali also spoke.
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