'Number of minorities reduced 20pc over 9 decades'

"According to the 1901 consensus, 33 per cent of the population of then East Pakistan was Hindu and.09 per cent other than Muslims. But the 1991 consensus showed that 10.5 per cent of the population was Hindu and one per cent non-Muslims," Prof Ajay Roy said in his speech on 'Minority, Communalism and Human Rights'.

He presented the essay at the Jahanara Imam Memorial Speech at the Women Volunteers' Association (WVA) auditorium in Dhanmondi. Ekattarer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee organised the programme to mark the ninth death anniversary of Jahanara Imam. Prof Kabir Chowdhury presided over the function.

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Barrister Amir Ul Islam said trial of war criminals is a pre-condition to establishing rule of law and human rights.

Kabir Chowdhury asked for trial of the war criminals of the War of Independence and banning politics of Jamaat-e-Islami.

"If necessary, the Nirmul Committee will go to the international tribunal for trial of the war criminals," he said.

Borhanuddin Khan Jahangir and Sammilito Samajik Andolon were given Jahanara Imam Memorial Medal for their contribution to the movement for democracy, secularism and flourish of the spirit of Liberation War.