A demand has been raised to posthumously confer the title of Field Marshal on General Ataul Gani (MAG) Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The call came on Monday during a discussion and prayer event held at the Helmet Hall of the RAOWA Club in Dhaka, marking Osmani’s 42nd death anniversary. The event was organized by the Retired Armed Forces Officers Welfare Association (RAOWA).

Speakers at the event said Osmani was deprived of the honor he deserved, though the loss was the nation’s rather than his. They credited his leadership for maintaining unity among military and civilian forces during the war. BNP Standing Committee member Major (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom, the chief guest, said Osmani’s recognition as Field Marshal would honor the nation itself. He urged the armed forces to formally request the defense minister or future prime minister Tarique Rahman to approve the title.

Hafizuddin also commented on the politicization of history and praised the country’s armed forces for their discipline and role in ensuring a fair 13th parliamentary election held on February 12.