Sohel Taj Announces Program with Three-Point Demand

Tanjim Ahmad Sohel Taj, son of Tajuddin Ahmad, Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister, and former State Minister for Home Affairs, has announced a program with a three-point demand, including the observance of Jail Killing Day as a state event. He stated that on November 3, he will submit a memorandum to the Chief Advisor of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, regarding these demands.

On Friday, November 1, Sohel Taj announced the program through a post on his verified Facebook page.

In his Facebook post, Sohel Taj wrote, "November 3 is the disgraceful Jail Killing Day. It's been 49 years, yet the four national heroes who successfully led the Liberation War and under whose leadership Bangladesh emerged as an independent sovereign state have not received any state recognition. This is unacceptable!"

He then outlined his three demands:

• Since the first government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was formed on April 10, 1971, through the Declaration of Independence, Bangladesh was born as an independent sovereign state (republic). Therefore, this day should be declared "Republic Day."
• Jail Killing Day, observed on November 3, should be declared a National Mourning Day and observed at the state level.
• The names, contributions, and biographies of the four national leaders, as well as all civil and military organizers, directors, immortal martyrs, and heroic freedom fighters of the Liberation War, should be included in textbooks and curricula at all levels with appropriate honor and emphasis on the full and accurate history of the Liberation War.

In his post, Sohel Taj wrote, "I believe these three demands are just and logical and reflect the heartfelt desires of everyone who supports independence and the Liberation War. In line with this, my next program will be to stage a sit-in in front of Hotel InterContinental on November 3 at 3:30 PM, followed by a march to submit the memorandum to the Chief Advisor."

He further wrote, "From the front of Hotel InterContinental, I will begin walking toward the State Guest House Jamuna at 4 PM. I strongly urge everyone who believes in the spirit of independence, the Liberation War, and opposition to discrimination to join this gathering."