Founding anniversary celebrations begin

A weeklong book fair on the War of Liberation was also launched at the museum auditorium.

The inaugural programme yesterday featured the screening of the film 'Shadhinata' directed by Yasmeen Kabir and a documentary on International Coalition of Historical Site Museum of Conscience were screened.

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Earlier, Professor Anisuzzaman of Dhaka University delivered a commemorative speech on 'Our Liberation War and Principles of Constitution'.

He said the constitution no longer reflected the three basic principles of democracy, secularism and socialism said to be the pillars of the Liberation War.

Referring to ethnic minorities, Professor Anisuzzaman said, "Although the war was fought on the basis of Bangalee nationalism, we must recognize and respect the individualism of the ethnic minorities."

He said exclusion of secularist principles from the constitution has brought about the rise of communal forces. "The exclusion of the word secularism from the constitution has pushed non-Muslim Bangalees far away from the mainstream, paving the way for communal politics to stage a comeback."

"The non-Muslims have practically become second class citizens after the recognition of Islam as state religion," he said, adding that various sects within the Muslim community are also being subjected to harassment.

He said democracy is yet to get an institutional shape even after three general elections.

Earlier, Aly Zaker, one of the trustee board members of the Liberation War Museum, presented an overview of the museum's activities over the last one year.

He hoped the museum would be relocated to a more spacious building for better management of its activities and conservation of war artifacts.

Aly Zaker said the museum will extend its outreach programme with a view to inform the younger generation about the War of Liberation.