War criminals must be brought to book, speakers say

RAJSHAHI, Nov 26 (BSS): Speakers at a commemoration meeting have unequivocally called for bringing all the war criminals to book for freeing the nation from a long curse of stigma. Besides, they said importance should be given to an immediate identification of the criminals and their collaborators to supplement the government efforts to try them properly. Rajshahi Muktijuddho Itihash Sangrakkhan Parishad (RMISP) organized the discussion at Nanking Party Zone here on Friday evening marking the mass-killing at local Shreerampur Bablaban during the war of liberation on November 25, 1971. Bodies of at least 17 prominent personalities including Rajshahi University teacher and businessmen were recovered from the mass grave just after the liberation. Mayor of Rajshahi AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, who addressed the discussion as the chief guest, said the Pakistani occupation forces in collaboration with the Rajakar-Albadars had killed many innocent people including intellectuals, businessmen and other professionals since beginning of the war. After a long time, he said the present government has started the trial as part of its election pledges and people's support is very vital for successful completion of the process. Mayor Liton assured that he will undertake necessary measures to build a memorial plaque at the mass grave as early as possible. With RMISP President Masudur Rahman in the chair, Prof Ruhul Amin Pramanik, Engineer Tazul Islam and writer Ahmed Shafiuddin also spoke on the occasion. Media's role stressed Discussants at a seminar in Rangpur Friday said the media workers should play vital roles in creating adequate social awareness to prevent spreading of the deadly diseases of HIVAIDS. They especially emphasized the urgency for disseminating proper knowledge and education to the common people, especially the vulnerable floating groups including sex workers, about the dreadful consequences of the diseases. Network of PLHIV (NOP+), Borer Kagoj and UNAIDS Bangladesh jointly organized the seminar for the media workers at Rangpur Press Club (RPC) in the city with RPC President AKM Fazlul Haque in the chair. Editor of the Bhorer Kagoj and renowned journalist Shyamol Dutta and Officer in Charge for UNAIDS in Bangladesh Dr Munir Ahmed took part as the main discussants in the seminar participated by 40 journalists. In his speech, Shyamol Dutta elaborated the present national and global HIVAIDS scenario and termed the situation in the Asia-Pacific regions as highly vulnerable. Discussing various reasons including unsafe sexes and intake of injected drugs for spreading of the deadly diseases, he suggested all concerned for taking comprehensive steps right now without any further delay for preventing HIVAIDS.