Jahanara Imam`s death anniv observed

DHAKA, June 26: The 19th death anniversary of writer and social activist Jahanara Imam, popularly known as "Shaheed Janani", was observed today (Wednesday) with due respect.

To mark the day, different political and socio-cultural organisations observed various programmes including placing wreaths at her grave in Mirpur Shaheed Intellectuals` Graveyard, milad mahfil, memorial discussion and seminars on her life and work.

Born in a progressive Muslim family in Murshidabad of West Bengal in India, Jahanara Imam is most widely remembered for her efforts to bring to trial those accused of committing crimes against the humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed respect to the memories of late Jahanara Imam on her 19th death anniversary.

In a message, she recalled the outstanding contribution of Jahanara Imam in forging unity against the evil communal forces and the war criminals. She prayed for the eternal peace of her departed soul.

Referring to the publication of Imam`s book on wartime diary "Ekattorer Dinguli", she said the book was a seminal event in Bangladesh and her simple style of writing touched many hearts, particularly those of the families who had lost their dear ones during the War of Independence.

The Prime Minister said Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee led by Jahanara Imam launched a movement against the communal forces and war criminals in 1992 flourishing the spirit of Liberation War.

Subsequently, people`s hate and resentment against the war criminals spread through spontaneous mass movement in different times, she observed. "The verdict on war crimes trial has already started . . . I believe a due respect will be shown to Shaheed Jahanara Imam if we can complete the war crimes trial, Sheikh Hasina added.

Ekattorer Dhatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, (Forum for Secular Bangladesh and Trial of War criminals of 1971), drew elaborate prgrammes marking her death anniversary.

It performed a daylong programme on the occasion. The forum placed wreath at her Mirpur grave at 8am. A discussion meeting was held at Dhanmondi WVA Auditorium at 4pm.

"Jahanara Imam Memorial Speech" also held there. Former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque was present as the key speaker there.

Besides, two eminent personalities -- Barrister SM Amir-Ul Islam and Justice AMB Khairul Haque while `Ganojagaron Manch", a non-political organisation, were given "Jahanara Imam Memorial Award" on the occasion.

Jahanara Imam died of cancer in Detroit, USA in 1994.