Speakers at a memorial meeting yesterday said the dreams of Justice KM Sobhan can be fulfilled by establishing a democratic and secular Bangladesh.

Justice Sobhan dedicated his life to establishing the rights of the oppressed and marginal people — women, small loan borrowers and religious minorities, they said.

The speakers paid glowing tributes to Justice Sobhan at a memorial meeting marking his second death anniversary at the auditorium of Bangladesh Institute of Legal and International Affairs (Bilia). The family members of Justice Sobhan organised the event.

Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman, former chief adviser to the caretaker government, said, "His role in rehabilitating the oppressed women after the liberation war is highly commendable."

Other than that, he vigorously worked to frame laws both at home and abroad to establish equal rights of men and women, he added.

Speaking as the chief guest, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said Justice Sobhan strongly believed in the spirit of the liberation war, non-communal politics and democracy.

An extraordinary scholarly person, Sobhan was jolly-minded, she said. "His sense of cour-

tesy could be a role model for all. He had an excellent combination of the best features of both the Bangalee and European culture."

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury said Justice Sobhan never refrained from providing assistance to the women's rights groups in terms of legal advices.

"Justice Sobhan was always vocal for the trial of war criminals and the killers of Bangabandhu," she added.

Human rights activist advocate Sultana Kamal said Justice Sobhan laid a strong foundation for human rights activism in the country.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Ayesha Khanam demanded that steps be taken to compile all his write-ups and publish a memorial book to promote his ideas.

Journalist Shahriar Kabir said that as a token of recognition to Justice Sobhan’s works, the government should name an important road after him.

Former CJ Kamaluddin Hossain chaired the discussion, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, ex-foreign secretary Wali-ur Rahman, Presidium Member of Hindu-Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad Kazal Debnath, human rights activist Rosaline Costa and Justice Sobhan's sons Kazi Rehan Sobhan and Kazi Adnan Sobhan also spoke.