Proper investigation into mysterious fire demanded

Participants observe one minute's silence at a citizens' condolence meeting at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city yesterday to pay respects to Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra President Md Nurul Islam.Photo: STAR

Speakers at a condolence meeting yesterday paid tribute to the memory of late Md Nurul Islam, president of Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra, and also demanded proper investigation into the cause of mysterious fire that broke out at his residence on December 3, killing him and his son Tamohar.
Nurul Islam, also a veteran politician, dedicated his life to establishing the right of workers and true democracy in the country. He had fought injustice throughout his life, they said, adding that those who were behind the fire incident are the enemies of society and humanity.
Educationists, politicians, journalists, writers, women's rights activists, cultural workers and labour leaders attended the citizens' condolence meeting organised by Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parisad (Skop) at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Khan Sarwar Murshid described the death of Nurul Islam as 'the fall of a star'. His ideology would be established in society one day, putting an end to such killings, he added.
Prof Anwar Hossain, general secretary of Dhaka University Teachers' Association, said the evil forces have killed many honest and progressive persons like Nurul Islam, but the killers went unpunished.
Poet Syed Shamsul Haq said, "When we are struggling to build our society anew, his death came as a blow to this effort."
He called on the people to raise their voice against those who do not believe in the spirit of the Liberation War and use religion for political gains.
Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, said that Nurul Islam had always tried to promote honesty in politics and establish peace in society. "He is a role model for us all as he had fought for the rights of workers."
Poet Rubi Rahman, wife of Nurul Islam, women's rights activists Ayesha Khanam and Shirin Akhter and Prof Arefin Siddique also spoke at the meeting moderated by Dr Wazedul Islam Khan, coordinator of Skop.