Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Dr Iftekhar Uddin Chowdhury has been accused in a defamation case by Dr Gazi Saleh Uddin, who teaches sociology in that university.
Published : 13 Dec 2016, 11:46 AM
Prof Iftekhar "called me a fake freedom fighter," Dr Gazi, also a former general secretary of CU Teachers' Association, has alleged.
According to him, the VC made the remarks at a memorial discussion on Abu Yusuf Alam Chowdhury, former vice-chancellor of CU, on Nov 28.
Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, the lawyer for the plaintiff, said: "Gazi Saleh Uddin has lodged the case under Sections 500 and 501 of the penal code.
"Taking the case into cognisance, the court has ordered Chittagong DB's deputy commissioner to file the charge and submit a report within 30 days," he said.
As described in the case brief, during a discussion on Nov 28, the VC said "many teachers of this university have secured freedom fighter's certificates illegally and many of them are also involved in selling such certificates.
"This lot includes secretaries and top brass officials. However, there are a good number of people who did not take any certificate despite actively participating in the Liberation War."
After his general remarks, Prof Iftekhar pointed his finger towards Gazi Saleh Uddin sitting on the dais and expressed doubt whether he was a freedom fighter or not.
The case brief says that non-Bengalis, backed by Pakistani army, detained and killed Gazi Saleh Uddin's father Ali Karim, a railway officer, on Nov 10, 1971.
His two brothers - Gazi Mezbah Uddin and Gazi Shamsuddin -- are also freedom fighters. Bangladesh Post Office has released stamps on Ali Karim to honour him as a martyred intellectual.
Gazi Saleh Uddin has fought the war in 1971 in sector two under Dr Anisul Islam and Subedar Lutfur Rahman.
The number of his freedom fighter's certificate is 27910 (signed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) and another one issued by the Ministry of Liberation War (date of issue: 10/10/2002) is M 6056.
Gazi receives pension under the Freedom Fighter's Pension Scheme, as mentioned in the case brief.