Bangladesh News

Army chief General Moeen U Ahmed yesterday said the government would definitely consider the demand for trial of war criminals.

“There is a government… it would look into the matter and also consider what the people want,” Gen Moeen told reporters after a Reception programme at the National Parade Square in the capital.

The reception was organised for the members of Freedom Fighters’ Contingent who are to participate in the National Independence Day parade today.

Speaking at the programme as chief guest, the army chief said this year the country’s main problem is the price hike of food grain and there is no alternative to boosting production of food grains to keep the price under control.

Urging all to work together to resolve the present crisis, Gen Moeen hoped that there would be a bumper production of Boro this year, better than any year in the past.

“And we will be able to overcome the crisis of rice, if there is bumper production,” he said.

“As not a single inch of land was vacant this year, irrigation has been arranged and fertiliser distributed among the farmers, I hope the production will be fine,” he said, adding, “If we work together, we would be able to face any kind of disaster that might threaten the nation in future.”

Referring to the freedom fighter’s contribution, Gen Moeen said, “You had fought… we got independence of Bangladesh and now we have a lot to do. We have to leave many things for the new generation and for this we have to work together.”

“Even though we have obtained independence, we could not achieve economic independence. Now it is the duty of all to bring economic independence,” said the army chief.

He said as people worked together, they were able to overcome this year five disasters–two severe floods, one cyclone, price hike of essentials and high price of edible oil.

In honour of the sacrifices made by the Shaheed, departed and living freedom fighters, Gen Moeen cut a cake and distributed it among the freedom fighters present. He also thanked the 130 freedom fighters aged between 52 and 72 for agreeing to take part in today’s parade.

Later, the freedom fighters talked to reporters and demanded immediate trial of war criminals. “We demand trial of war criminals this year under the present government,” said Mohammad Shafiqul, a freedom fighter.

Gen Moeen said they would increase the freedom fighter’s allowance and entitle freedom fighters who belonged to the armed forces with the allowance. He said they would also arrange free treatment for freedom fighters and their wives at the combined military hospitals.

Acting Secretary of Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Ninth Infantry Division Maj Gen Ashab Uddin, Adjutant General (AG) Maj Gen Matiur Rahman and Freedom Fighter’s Contingent Commander Mohammad Sawkat Ali were present at the programme along with senior military officials.