Most countries responded positively to upcoming war crimes trial, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni told a discussion meeting yesterday.
''Government of many countries wanted to know about the trial. We have discussed the issue and they responded positively,'' she said.
Dipu Moni, the chief guest, made the remarks at the discussion on 'Supreme Sacrifice of Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman: Trial of War Criminals and Mass Expectation' held at the National Press Club. Bir Shrestho Matiur Rahman Foundation organised the discussion marking the martyr's 39th death anniversary yesterday.
Dipu Moni said some cliques are spreading rumour that the government is under external pressure to give up the trial for war crimes committed during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
Justice Golam Rabbani during his speech demanded establishment of ''Bir Shrestho Matiur Rahman Square'' as a memorial symbolising the martyr's contribution to the liberation war.
Capt (retd) Mujibur Rahman Fakir, state minister for health, also the special guest, urged all to extend their cooperation to implement the government's Vision-2021.
Mahbub Elahi Manju, the foundation vice-president, chaired the discussion while Matiur's wife Mili Rahman was present among others.
Dipu Moni alleged that the successive governments following the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, not only rehabilitated the killers and anti-liberation forces, but also rewarded those.