Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Wednesday organised a special iftar and prayer gathering on Wednesday in honour of the heroic freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War and the families of victims who suffered extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during the previous authoritarian regime.

The programme was held at the Nagar Bhaban premises and attended by around 600 freedom fighters and family members of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Presiding over the event, DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam said the nation achieved independence through the sacrifices of freedom fighters and therefore their dignity and rights must remain the top priority.

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“We have obtained this country because of the heroic freedom fighters. Ensuring their honour and rights must come first. At the same time, we must also stand beside those who suffered persecution during the past authoritarian regime,” he said while addressing the gathering as the chief guest.

He also announced that DSCC would organise a special programme to honour freedom fighters on the upcoming Independence Day.

Habibur Rahman Habib, Member of Parliament from Dhaka-7 constituency, attended the programme as special guest.

Among others present were Naim Jahangir, convener of the central command council of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad, and its general secretary Sadeq Ahmed Khan.

Sanjida Islam Tulia, coordinator of “Mayer Dak”, a non-political human rights platform representing families of the disappeared, also attended the programme and expressed solidarity with the affected families.

Before the iftar, special prayers and munajat were offered for the well-being of the nation and in honour of the invited guests.

Speakers at the event recalled the immense contributions of the freedom fighters to the nation and expressed sympathy for families who lost loved ones to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, while also calling for justice for the victims and their families.