'End of a disgrace'

The ruling Awami League (AL) has welcomed and expressed satisfaction over the Supreme Court verdict in Bangabandhu murder case.
The party announced a countrywide programme of milad mahfil and special prayers today at all mosques, temples, pagodas, churches and other places of worship.
Expressing the party reaction at a crowded press briefing yesterday at the AL president's Dhanmandi office, General Secretary of the party Syed Ashraful Islam urged the countries concerned to send the fugitive killers of Bangabandhu back to Bangladesh.
"We welcome the verdict. The nation got rid of disgrace after waiting for 34 years. It has been proved that no one is above law, no matter how influential he or she is," said Ashraf, also spokesperson of the AL.
"The trial process [of Bangabandhu murder case] has been accepted worldwide, and world leaders have welcomed it. So, the countries, where the killers of Bangabandhu are staying, should send them back to Bangladesh," he said at the briefing, also attended by other AL leaders.
"We must bring the killers to book no matter where they are staying and how much time it needs," said Ashraf, also LGRD and cooperatives minister.
Replying to a question, he said, " Although we do not have extradition treaty with them (countries concerned), we will bring the killers back."
"We waited 34 years for the verdict in Bangabandhu murder case, and we will wait another 34 years, if necessary, to get the killers back."
The AL general secretary blasted former president Ziaur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad for 'patronising' and 'shielding' the killers.
When a reporter pointed out that Ershad's Jatiya Party is a key partner of the AL-led grand alliance, he said," We did not hide this. We have spoken the truth."
Explaining the party reaction, Ashraf said completion of the trial of Bangabandhu murder case has greatly contributed to establishment of rule of law. "But it is not a matter of rejoicing because we will not get back Bangabandhu and others killed on August 15."
AL does not believe in revenge, he said. "We wanted to establish rule of law in the country, and the verdict paved the way for it.
He also said his party will change the trend of politics, established by the killers and their beneficiaries, by materialising Bangabandhu's dream for Sonar Bangla.
While reading out the written statement containing the party reaction, the AL leader reiterated that that the killers of four national leaders will also be tried.
He also said the AL government will try the killers involved in August 21 grenade attack, BDR mutiny, SAMS Kibria murder and all other killings in the country.