Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said calling Jammat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Molla, who was executed for war crimes, ‘martyr’ is a complete insolence.
His reaction came days after Daily Sangram newspaper, the mouthpiece of Jamaat, called Molla martyr in a news item published on Dec 12 to mark the anniversary of his execution six years ago.
The minister was talking to reporters after placing a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Monday (Dec 16) on the occasion of the Victory Day.
He said the information ministry, district administration and Department of Films and Publications have sent notices to Daily Sangram asking the newspaper to explain why its declaration will not be cancelled.
Hasan Mahmud, “Jamaat leader Quader Molla was a war criminal. He was a collaborator of Pakistan and was involved in anti-state activities during the Liberation War in 1971.”
He said Molla was involved in mass killing, arson and other anti-social activities which earned him death penalty. “Daily Sangram has committed a grave crime by calling him martyr.”