Liberation War Museum celebrates anniversary and Independence Day

Prof. Anisuzzaman presenting the keynote paper

At the discussion session, eminent educationist Dr Anisuzzaman presented the keynote paper on Our Freedom Fight and the Principles of the Constitution. At the very beginning of his speech, Dr Anisuzzaman informed that his paper does not focus on the amended constitution in practice at present. 'I would rather discuss the principles and their social base accepted in the constitution of 1972,' he explained.

In his paper, Anisuzzaman discussed the multi-national character of Bangladesh. He approved of Manabendra Larma's demand for constitutional recognition for the minor ethnic groups. However, he pointed out that the Liberation War was conducted on Bangali nationalism.

Professor Anis compared the post-Liberation period of 33 years with the 24 years of pre-Liberation era, and termed it as a history of 'going backwards' and 'loss'.

Dr Sarwar Ali, director of the Liberation War Museum, and actor Aly Zaker also spoke at the event. On behalf of the trustees of the museum, Aly Zaker said that it was impossible for the museum to display all its mementos and finds within its small premises. He read out the museum's annual report for 2003-2004.

A book fair, displaying books on the Liberation War, has been organised in the museum premises. The fair is open from 10 am to 8 pm everyday till March 28.

Later, two documentary films--a 12-minute documentary on International Coalition of Historical Site Museums of Conscience and Yasmin Kabir's Swadhinota were screened.

The film Swadhinota centres round a character named Gurudasi Mandol from the uptown area of Kapilmuni. The woman lost all her relatives to the cruelty of the Pakistan armed forces and their collaborators during the Liberation War. Gurudasi herself was taken to army camps and cannot forget the terrifying memories of the time. Till date she strolls about the streets of Kapilmuni, as if in search of something.