DHAKA: Local government, rural development and co-operative minister Syed Ashraful Islam on Monday categorically said the four national leaders were killed after the order of BNP founding leader Ziaur Rahman.

The minister made this assertion after paying his tribute to the four leaders at their tombs at Banani graveyard in city to commemorate Jail Killing Day.

Ruling Awami League (AL) general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, also a son of one of the four murdered national leaders Syed Nazrul Islam, further said the killing spree on August 15 and on November 3 was related.

The AL spokesperson also said those murders were executed following the order from the same person.

He also urged people to participate in the task of nation building.

Jail Killing Day is observed by AL and many other political parties on November 3 each year.

The day commemorates the killing of four wartime leaders, also companions to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

They include former vice-president Syed Nazrul Islam, prime minister Tajuddin Ahmed, finance minister Captain (retd) M Mansur Ali and home minister AHM Quamruzzaman.
 
The men were shot by army officials inside Dhaka Central Jail on this date in 1975.

The killers, later, got benefited from two former presidents, Ziaur Rahman and HM Ershad.

BDST: 1418 HRS, NOV 03, 2014,