Call for trial of war criminals

Amar Ekushey, also the International Mother Language Day, was observed with solemnity and in the most befitting manner across the country yesterday, paying glowing tributes to the language movement martyrs.
People from all walks of life alongside different government, non-government, socio-political and cultural organisations and business as well as professional bodies thronged the Shaheed Minars [memorials to language martyrs] since Sunday midnight to pay their respects.
Staff Correspondent from Chittagong said Amar Ekushey was observed in the port city with due respect to the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the noble cause of the mother tongue 58 years ago.
Different organisations, including a cross section of people and students from different academic institutions, took part in the mourning procession that led to the Shaheed Minar and placed wreaths and bouquets at its altar since early hours to far into the day.
Primary and Mass Education Minister Afsarul Ameen first placed a wreath at the Shaheed Minar minutes after the zero hour. He was followed by Chittagong City Corporation Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury.
Later, city units of the ruling Awami League and opposition BNP also placed wreaths.
Besides, discussion, cultural and blood donation programmes were also organised at different areas of the city on the occasion.
Staff Correspondent from Rajshahi adds: The demands for immediate trial of war criminals and reinstatement of the 1972 constitution were reiterated as people observed the Amar Ekushey in the divisional city.
Speakers at different Ekushey programmes said the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs of the Language Movement and the Liberation War would not rest in peace until the nation tries the killers.
In the afternoon, hundreds of people gathered at Prothom Alo's earth-shaking 30-minute programme at Bhuban Mahan Park.
Language movement veterans Sayeed Uddin Ahmed, Mosarraf Hossain Akhunji and Prothom Alo correspondent Abul Kalam Azad spoke at the programme where artistes of Hindol and Rajshahi Abritti Parishad performed.
Local Awami League, its associate bodies, BNP, Jatiya Party, JSD, NAP, Bangabandhu Parishad, different socio-cultural and journalists' forums organised programmes like discussions, art competition, blood donation, cultural functions, documentary shows and special prayers.
Rajshahi City Corporation and the district administration jointly began a book fair and reception to the language movement veterans at Nagar Bhaban.
BSS from Narayanganj adds: People from all strata of society paid rich tributes to the martyrs while observing Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner in the district.
To mark the occasion, leaders and activists of all political, socio-cultural and other organisations, including women and children, placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar at Chashara in the town wearing black badges and carrying banners.
The day's programme began with placing of the wreaths at one minute past midnight last night.
Lawmaker Nasim Osman placed the wreath first followed by Deputy Commissioner Shamsur Rahman.
Narayanganj district units of Bangladesh Awami League, BNP, Jatiya Party, Workers Party, JSD, CPB, Narayanganj Press Club, Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BKM, Bangladesh Jute Association, Bangladesh Hosiery Association, Bangladesh Yarn Merchants Association, Joy Bangla Sangskritik Jote, Narayanganj Institute of Fine Arts, Narayanganj Tolaram Government College, Narayanganj Government Mohila College, Bangladesh Marine Technology, Narayanganj Zila Parishad, Narayanganj Pourasabha and Zia Shishu Kishore Sangathak also placed wreaths.
Special prayers were offered at mosques, temples and churches seeking eternal peace of the language movement heroes.
BSS from JU reports: The International Mother Language Day was observed on the Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus in a befitting manner.
Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Shariff Enamul Kabir along with other officials placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar on the campus at 12:01am.
Jahangirnagar University Teachers Association, JU Officers and Employees Association and Union, Jahangirnagar University Journalists Association, Mohila Club, JU BCL, Chhatra Front, Chhatra Union, Badhan JU unit, Rotaract Club JU unit, Amar Desh Pathokmela, Physically Challenged Development Foundation and different socio-cultural organisations paid their homage to the language martyrs.
The day's programme included a discussion on language movement, cultural programmes of different organisations and painting competition for children.
The Language Movement indeed infused spirit in the Bangalee nationalist movement which led the nation to fight the war of liberation in 1971, said the VC at the Ekushey function on the campus.
Meanwhile, Rajshahi University (RU) authorities yesterday observed the Amar Ekushey in a befitting manner on the campus, reports BSS.
National flag was hoisted at half-mast atop all buildings of the university, including the administration building, VC's residence, library and dormitories.
VC Prof Abdus Sobhan along with the university staff placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar on the campus at 6:45am.
Rajshahi University Teachers Association, Progressive Teachers Society, RU Officers and Employees Association, Rajshahi University Journalists Association, RU Mohila Parishad, RU unit BCL, Chhatra Front, Chhatra Federation, Chhatra Union, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Udichi, Anushilan Drama Group, Gono Shilpi Sangstha, Bangabandhu Parishad and residential halls also placed wreaths.
In the morning, Shaheed Smriti Sangrashala organised a painting and handwriting competition for children.
A milad mahfil was also organised in the afternoon.
Rajshahi University Mohila Parishad organised a photo exhibition and a discussion at the Shaheed Minar to observe the Amar Ekushey.