Muhith for replying \\\'objectionable parts\\\' of Khandker\\\'s book, against its ban

Finance Minister AMA Muhith Friday suggested publication of a book to give reply to the 'objectionable parts' of the book by AK Khandker, saying that banning a book is no solution, reports BSS.
"Without banning the book by AK Khandker, another book will have to be published to give its reply," said Muhith while opening the 'Mahnagar Boi Utsab-2014' in the city.
AK Khandker, deputy chief of the Mukti Bahini, came under fire in parliament for mentioning in his recently published book , '1971: Bhetare Baire' that independence hero Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman concluded his historic March 7 speech in 1971 by saying 'Joy Pakistan'.
Speaking as the chief guest, Muhith said the present government has taken effective measures to publish creative books.
Stressing the need for organising the next 'Amar Ekushe book fair' in a large area, the finance minister said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very much eager to see the book fair in a large area.
A total of 45 publishers are taking part in the fair which will run until September 19.
Bangla Academy director general Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan chaired the opening session while secretary of cultural affairs ministry Dr Ranjit Kumar Biswas, director general of Public Library Mohammad Hafizur Rahman and president of Bangladesh Giyan and Srijonshil Prokashok Samity Osman Gani, among others, spoke.
bdnews24.com adds: Finance Minister AMA Muhith does not favour banning a book by AK Khandker Bir Uttam on the Liberation War that drew flak from MPs for alleged distortion of history.
"I strongly reject the demand raised (by other MPs) in Parliament," he said to the media Friday.
BSS adds: The Workers' Party Friday termed the statement of AK Khondker on the country's independence as merely unfortunate.
"AK Khondker has downgraded himself to the level of Tarique Rahman through his statement. While narrating history everybody should be objective....Khondker Saheb has stated other's version of the historic event not hearing in his own ears....he should have cross- checked what he heard from others before coming up with his write- up. But, people will not be mislead by that statement as in every words of the March 7 speech (of Bangabandhu), the call for independence of Bangladesh was clear," said Workers Party (WP) president and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, MP.
The Workers Party (WP) president said this while speaking as the chief guest at a workers rally of Gazipur district unit of the party in the district headquarters, according to a press release of WP.
Rashed Khan Menon said, "It's not the military leadership but the political leadership that played the pivotal role in organising the country's war of liberation. If we forget this truth it would be distortion of the history of the Liberation War. It's a matter of fortune for us that many personalities, who have taken part in the war of liberation, are still alive. So, whatever might be the outcry of Tarique Rahman and others, must go in vain."