Taher's execution was murder in cold blood

Speakers at a discussion yesterday said Col Taher was killed cold-bloodedly to diminish the spirit of the Liberation War, which tells of socialism, secularism, and economic freedom of the people.
Col Taher's execution was a cold-blooded murder and was part of a conspiracy to diminish the Liberation War's spirit, said Sergeant (retd) Rafiqul Islam, Bir Pratik, demanding trial of the murder.
Prof Anwar Hossain, younger brother of Col Taher, presided over the discussion titled ''Why it is necessary to conduct the trial of Col Taher murder''
Prof Anwar said, ''It was a secret killing. Ziaur Rahman cold-bloodedly killed him in the name of trial. Zia executed the verdict of the ''so called trial'' within just three days, which is unprecedented and shows the intention of killing Taher.''
''After a long 34 years, the High Court has issued a rule asking the government to submit the secret files of the trial of Col Taher. The order said why the trial would not be called illegal. Now it is time for the trial of Col Taher's killing. And let the people know about how he was killed that time.''
Col Taher was the mastermind of the November 7 revolt, which the main opposition BNP observes as national revolution and solidarity day.
''It [execution of Col Taher] was a criminal act, and the trial of it should take place in this very soil,'' said Manjurul Ahsan Khan, president of Communist Party of Bangladesh. Col Taher, Bir Uttam, wanted to make Bangladesh Army truly the people's army, he added.
Col Taher Sangsad organised the discussion at TSC of Dhaka University to mark the historic November 7. Col Taher's wife Lutfa Taher, among others, was present at the programme.