BANGLADESH

The High Court on Sunday summoned the author, publisher, editors and National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) chairman for terming late president Ziaur Rahman as the 'proclaimer of independence' in text books.

The order from the bench of justices A H M Shamsuddin Chowdhury and Jahangir Hossain will require them to appear in court in person on Feb 2 to explain the reason behind providing such 'confusing' information in the books.

The author of the book is Ratan Siddiqui, publisher Mohammad Tafazzal Hossain, and editors are Safiquddin Ahmed and Muhammad Abdul Jalil.

The court ordered the five and the education secretary to explain in two weeks why they should not face trial under criminal and civil laws over the matter.

It also asked them to explain why the publication and distribution of the books would not be declared illegal and why seizure of the books not be ordered.

The High Court directed the inspector general of police to submit a report after removing all copies of the books across the country within 15 days.

The orders were issued following a writ petition filed by one Mohammad Ahsanul Haque over the mention of former president General Ziaur Rahman to have proclaimed independence in the text books named Pragati Nimna Madhyamik Bangla Byakaran o Rachana for classes seven and eight.

Belal Hossain Joy and Awlad Hossain argued the case for the petitioner while deputy attorney general ABM Altaf Hossain stood for the state at the hearing.

Hossain told the book mentioned 'Major General Zia' as the proclaimer of independence in one place.

"Though, the late president was a Major then," he added.

"In another section," he said, "Ziaur Rahman was mentioned as the proclaimer of independence on Mar 27 on behalf of Bangabandhu (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman)."

"Such contradictory and confusing information is misleading for the future generations," the counsel contended.

The High Court on Jun 21, 2009 had settled a longstanding dispute over the proclamation of independence saying it was the nation's father Sheikh Mujib who proclaimed the independence in 1971.