BNP terms HC ruling on Bangladesh independence 'unfortunate'

An irked opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party termed as "unfortunate" a High Court verdict that independence from Pakistan was proclaimed by the nation's founding father Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman in 1971 and not ex-president Ziaur Rahman as stated by state documents.

An irked opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party termed as "unfortunate" a High Court verdict that independence from Pakistan was proclaimed by the nation's founding father Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman in 1971 and not ex-president Ziaur Rahman as stated by state documents.

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"The court should not get involved in such a sensitive issue related to politics and the sentiment of political activists," former law minister and BNP leader Moudud Ahmed said in a statement, a day after the court declared illegal state-published documents giving slain president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman the credit.

Briefing newsmen immediately after the verdict yesterday BNP vice-chairman M K Anwar said "if courts continue to pass judgements on issues related to history, many of the happenings will become illegal".

"The truth is that Ziaur Rahman proclaimed the country's independence. We also recognise the contribution of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the country's independence with due honour," Anwar said.

A High Court bench ruled yesterday that prime minister Sheikh Hasina's father Sheikh Mujib, fondly called Bangabandhu or friend of Bengal, had proclaimed independence just ahead of his arrest by Pakistani troops on March 25 night of 1971.