Staff Reporter :Barrister Mainul Hosein deeply perturbed at the kidnapping of Abu Bakar Siddique, husband of noted human rights activist Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Chief of Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA), has stressed the need for an open discussion on our liberation war to know the full history. He said this at a talk show “Frontline” telecast by Bangla Vision on Wednesday evening. Senior journalist Matiur Rahman Chowdhury conducted the programme while former cabinet secretary Dr. Sadat Hossain was the other participant. For the crimes of secret killings and open kidnappings the government has to take the responsibility to stop those who are involved. We have created Bangladesh through a people’s war so that we can all live and prosper together without fear, Barrister Hosein said. We avoided to ask every truth about the liberation war taking it as a people’s war that united the nation. Now when different version of history is given of the liberation war by different ones only to claim right to rule Bangladesh and use the liberation for legitimacy of the government and not people’s vote, Barrister Hosein said, adding, in my view history of liberation war is being distorted only to suit particular group or party to justify their being in power. As the history of the liberation war has become contentious for national disunity, the nation must know and judge various claims in respect of the liberation; so that the national unity is based on truth, he said. Reacting sharply at the news of kidnapping of Abu Baker Siddique, he said the situation in the country is grave when persons are killed and kidnapped openly and daringly. Whether elected or not every government has a responsibility to guarantee and ensure safety of life, he said. Barrister Hosein called upon the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to hold an eminent citizens meeting of different views to know how to face the crisis and not just a meeting of her loyal supporters. Any responsible leaders would have sought help to save the country. He further added that India’s involvement in helping the government to continue in power is a matter of public perception. India must do what is right for Bangladesh. Both the major political parties depend on outside forces for their strength, he observed.
