Bir Sreshtha Matiur Rahman

But I am intensely curious to know how this came about behind the scenes. For Pakistan to release him, there must have been a request made by authorities from Bangladesh. Also, did they acknowledge his role as a hero of a friendly country, or was it a quiet compromise? Given that Pakistan has yet to officially admit its genocide role in 1971, this may be evidence of an extremely positive move by them, and we should give all responsible their due for skilful diplomacy and negotiation.

Perhaps, we could have some reporting on the events leading to this joyous occasion.

It's a great feeling to know about the return of the mortal remains of Bir Sreshtha Matiur Rahman and burial on our soil with full state honour. It should have featured on your front page. The government, however, has little credit as the efforts were made by a group of freedom fighters and the martyr's family. From this land of plenty I fondly remember the teen days of active participation in the great liberation war. In fact my spirit drove me to set up a liberation war monument and dedicate a flower bed for each of the Bir Sreshtha in my workplace at Ashuganj beside Bhairab.

Please convey our sincerest respect to the members of Matiur's family.

Saleque Sufi, Melbourne, Australia