The left political parties yesterday urged the government to confer the "due posthumous honour" to Col Abu Taher, a sector commander of the 1971 liberation war, in recognition of his contribution to the war and to the country.
Addressing a discussion on the eve of the 35th death anniversary of Col Taher who was executed following a secret trial on July 21, 1976, the left leaders said killing of Taher was a tragedy for the country.
They also demanded posthumous trial of Ziaur Rahman, former president of the country, and his associates for masterminding the killing of Taher in the name of trial.
"Role of Taher was portrayed wrongly during last 35 years due to political reasons. Now, he should be given due respect", said Mainuddin Khan Badal, a lawmaker and central leader of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD).
"Taher was a symbol of conscience and bravery of the nation", he told the discussion organised by the JSD marking Taher's death anniversary at the city's Mahanagar Nattya Mancha.
JSD President Hasanul Haque Inu said a permanent structure should be built for the memory of Taher in the capital alongside naming of streets and other structures after him.
Inu, who was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in the same 1976 trial, said Taher was not killed in conflict of power but for his attempt to free the country from the grip of the then military rulers.
He criticised Ziaur Rahman for establishing communal politics in the country by killing Taher.
Attending the programme, Taher's wife Lutfa Taher said, "Taher saved Zia's life during the November 7 soldiers' upsurge. But Zia betrayed my husband later and killed him in the name of trial".
She urged the JSD leaders and workers to continue their movement to establish a society free from all sorts of repression as dreamt by Taher.
Gono Forum presidium member Pankaj Bhattacharjee said the High Court verdict that declared Taher's trial illegal has brought back Taher on his own glory after 35 years of confusion.
JSD leaders Adv Robiul Alam, Dr MA Karim, Prof MM Akash of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), and Anisur Rahman Mallik of Workers Party also spoke.
Source : The Daily Star
