Kibria Family took position on the road as a mark of protest

Dr. Ajoy Roy

Dhaka
February 4, 2005

Today late ASM Kibria�s family took a position on the street as a mark of protest against killing of erstwhile finance minister ASM Kibria. A protest rally was brought out under the leadership of Mrs. Asma Kibria together with other family members including Late Kibria�s eldest son Dr. Reza Kibria. The rally was joined by leading political leaders and people from all walk of lives. The rally called upon all concerned to raise the voice of protest against such dreadful killings and urge upon the government to bring those killers, their godfathers and terrorists committing such crimes to justice.

Mrs. Asma Kibria, a noted artist appealed to the nation calling upon them, Please prove your stance against terrorism.� In a statement appealing to all cross-section of people that included general public, inhabitants of Habiganj, Freedom fighters and pro-liberation forces of all kinds, people of all professions, journalists, teachers and intellectuals, Economists and business communities, cultural activists, students and youths she said, �I am not a political person, I am just an artist. But I have never thought even in my dream that my husband, a staunch fighter for democracy, a brilliant son of the land would have to give his life in this fashion. But under the circumstance with deep shock I am appealing to you to come forward to protest against such continuous crime being committed by terrorists. I have known only one peaceful language to raise our protest is come to the street in a peaceful way, wherever you are, took stance on the street from 3. p.m. to 3.30 p.m. on 4th February. Let us prove that we common people want justice against such heinous crimes and do not want its repetition. Personally I will take position in front of 3/A Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi on the main road. � (kindly see attached press statement appeared in Daily Sangbad:

https://gold.mukto-mona.com/current_affiars/granade_attack2/Appeal_Kibria2.pdf  

)

Thousands of people assembled along the roads and many organizations participated. After the rally, the family of late Kibria thanked the people for responding her appeal. A similar rally was held along the Mymensingh Road near Ramna from National Museum to Bangla Academy. Rest of Dhaka as far as I could gauge ignored the call of the artist. It is a pity. In a reaction after the rally Artist Hashem Khan and Barrister Roknuddin, both whom were in the rally with Mrs. Kibria, said that Mrs. Kibria is not alone in her fight against terrorism, the entire nation is behind her. In all district towns including Habiganj such rallies were held.

 


Picture

Picture: Hundreds of people line up on the streets  staging a peaceful protest against the killing of former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria. PHOTO CURTESY: Daily Star

 

 

I personally took position at the junction of Balley Road and Shanti Nagar crossing and stood silently there for half an hour from 3 � 3.30 p.m. I am a small man but responded to the call of Mrs. Kibria. To be honest I found none to take position along the roads in this area i.e. Sgantinagar, Siidheswari, Malibag, al though a small procession passed through Shantinagar Road around 3.30 p.m., probably on way to Muktangan, where Awami League held a protest meeting against the police repression against their workers during hartal days.

After the rally, Mrs. Kibria in a press conference held in her house told the journalists that the family would continue their peaceful protests. As a part of the long drawn fight she announced a program: on 12th February, similar silent protest rally would be held in all district towns for half an hour from 4-4.30 p.m.

In the mean while, the family is being threatened directly and indirectly. Mrs. Asma Kibria alleged that in a Government supported TV channel it has been remarked that these sorts of activities would damage the so-called image of the country and the government. �if demand for justice constitutes damage of image of the country, then may I ask them, �don�t you want trial of those culprits.�, she asked. Dr. Reza Kibria said that the family would, with the help and cooperation of the people, would not stop protesting in peaceful ways until the culprits are brought to justice. It is further learnt that Dr. Reza Kibria already received dozens of threatening letters and emails in which he has been warned if they do not stop, he might face similar fate as his father. The shameless creatures have no limit. But why should I blame them- they are small creature. Who the real �nater guru� is - everybody knows.

Ajoy Roy

 

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