Photos of a regional event to honour the valiant freedom fighters of the Liberation war has drawn massive criticism on social media platforms.
The photos showed that freedom fighters were allotted the second row and ordinary plastic chairs to sit, while political leaders were given furnished chairs with expensive white cloth.
Discrimination and disrespect towards the freedom fighters, that too in the month of victory raised brows and negative comments from netizens poured in to protest inequal seating arrangement.
The event titled ‘Bijoy Pothe Pothe’ took place Sylhet district stadium to honour freedom fighters on the golden jubilee of Independence.
Widespread criticism started even before the program began. Since then, there has been a storm of criticism on social media. Many have commented that the issue is offensive and disrespectful to the freedom fighters.
Debabrata Chowdhury Liton, a lawyer of Sylhet District Bar and son of a freedom fighter, posted a lengthy status on Facebook at 3:16 pm on Monday regarding the incident. Criticizing the subject, he wrote, "As the child of a late heroic freedom fighter, I have to go to the reception of the freedom fighters and their families in March and December every year. Yesterday, on December 20, a grand rally of heroic freedom fighters was organized at Sylhet Stadium. A few front rows were reserved for the administration and political leaders at the ceremony. People are enraged regarding this sitting arrangement..." He wrote sarcastically: How nice to call someone and insult them?
Playwright Ekhlas Ahmed Tanmoy wrote in a Facebook post 'We are ashamed, brave soldiers...this is how the children of heroes are being honored. Even on the golden jubilee of independence, there are normal plastic chairs for them. And chairs wrapped in royal cloth for bureaucrats and politicians. Sad. '
Former Organizing Commander of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Sylhet District Command and freedom fighter Tota Mia of Golapganj were present during the event. They said when the program began, the chairs were rearranged.
