DHAKA: The opposition BNP said law cannot make one proclaimer of independence as it is a historical fact and people know who that person was.

A number of senior leaders of BNP made the identical comment in their reaction after the High Court verdict on the 7th amendment to the constitution made a mention of MA Hannan, an Awami League leader, as the proclaimer of independence.

The High Court Thursday handed down the verdict declaring the 7th amendment to the constitution “illegal” and “unconstitutional”, thereby outlawing general Ershad’s 1982 takeover.

Senior joint-secretary general of BNP Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told banglanews24.com, “The proclaimer of independence cannot be decided through law. People know who announced the independence first at the outset of the liberation war.”

BNP standing committee member retired Lt General Mahbubur Rahman told banglanews24.com.bd that they can neither comment nor express dissatisfaction over the High Court verdict.

But, he said, as Bangabandhu’s call for the people ‘This fight is for independence’ is a reality so is Ziaur Rahman’s proclamation of independence.

Another member of the standing committee, Gayeswar Chandra Roy, on a note of resentment, said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now settling all issues in the High Court. They have no need of the parliament.”

BNP standing Committee member Dr. Khondokar Mosharraf Hossain said that they were yet to know the verdict. “Our lawyers will tell about this issue. It would be better to talk after going through the verdict.”

BDST: 1650 HRS. AUGUST 26, 2010