Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal USD) yesterday called tor state recognition of the March 2, 1971 as the National Flag Day to mark (he hoisting -of the national flag, reports BSS.

Speaking at a rally at Ramna Batmul in the city. JSD leaders and left leaning scholars said the recognition was needed for I he sake of the history of the Independence struggle and saving it from distor-

JSD chief and Fisheries and Livestock Minister ASM Abdur Rab hoisted the national Hag in line with the decision of the "Swadhin Bangla Nucleus." Bangladesh Liberation Force and student groups for the first time in capacity of the general secretary of the then Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Speaking on the occasion. Rab said no single person de-served the credit for the event 29 years ago as It reflected the aspirations and dreams of. the Bengali nation.

I performed my duties, which was vested upon me in line with the decision of the Swadhin Bangla nucleus, the BLF and student groups." he said.

The JSD president recalled the contribution of the then youth leaders including Swa-pan Kumar Chowdhury, Abdur Razzaq and Kazi Aref Ahmed. He said the new generation must know the background of the liberation war for building a developed nation.

"A lot has been written on the incidents between March 25 and December 16. 1971, but the new generation know little about the background of the war, which is required for building a developed nation." he said.

JSD leader Nur-e-Alam Jiku said everybody who played role in the process of the independence must gel his or her due recognition for the sake of the history.

Mainuddin Khan Badal said since the historic period Hag had been treated as the symbol of pride of a nation. This Hag was hoisted for the first time on this day and this is why the event Is so important." he said.

Shirin Akhtar said the nine month liberation war was not a sudden or isolated Incident, rather it was the outcome of a I long process, in which March 2 >. was a significant event,

Prof. Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq said the partial projection of history demoralises nation, "de-pollticise" the politics and pave the way for foreign inter ference in the national life.

Syed Zafar Sazzad said the JSD was the lone organisation to observe the chy "as if (he event is the property of the party.

"Such phenomenon paves the way for distortion of history." he said.

JSD general secretary Hasanul Haq Inu. among others. spoke on the occasion.