Comilla: State Minister for Law Kamrul Islam was sued in a lawcourt here Monday for reportedly calling slain president Ziaur Rahman ‘Pakistani char’, set by Islamabad during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war.

Ashiqur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, president of the district Chhatra Dal and former VP of Victoria College, filed the defamation case with the chief judicial magistrate court.

Magistrate Mohammad Bahauddin Kazi asked the record to take the case into cognizance after a preliminary hearing of submission by the complainant.

The allegation states: “ late President Ziaur Rahman led the liberation war in 1971 and inspired the nation by declaring the independence from Kalurghat radio station in Chittagong.”

Zia was awarded Bir Protik gallantry title for his valiant role in 1971 as the commander of “Z force” in the liberation war.

But the law minister marked him as a “ Pakistani char” at a program of Biswa Kobitakantho Parishad at the National Press Club on May 21.

Kamrul Islam also threw a challenge saying ‘dissidents can meet me in a debate to decide the matter in any television talk-show’.
 
Wasim told banglanews24.com.bd “the law minister insulted not only Zaiur Rhaman’s followers but also the freedom fighters of the country by referring to martyr Zia as a spy. He should resign for this disparaging comment.”

BDST: 1620Hrs, May 24.2010
K L/PB/AK/MUA