Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary and Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said BNP is the main patron of the killers of meritorious youth and heroic freedom fighter Sheikh Jamal, son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"It is sorrowful but true that they (killers) are still active in making evil efforts," he said while talking to journalists after paying tributes to Sheikh Jamal by placing wreaths at his grave at Banani graveyard marking his birthday.

On August 15 in 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's architect, with most of his family members, including Sheikh Jamal, was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers. 

Hasan said today is the birthday of Shaheed Sheikh Jamal. "I am praying for eternal peace of his soul on his birthday. I am paying profound tributes to his memories," he added.

Sheikh Jamal was under house arrest at their Dhanmondi residence along with his other family members including Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, Bangabandhu's daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana and Sheikh Russel, during the great Liberation War in 1971.  

Later, Sheikh Jamal fled from their Dhanmondi residence and joined the Liberation War after reaching Agartala, India after a very risky journey on foot, he mentioned.

Sheikh Jamal took part in the Liberation War for entire nine months and he fought from the frontline, he said. 

Later, he joined Bangladesh Army and subsequently, he received training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom (UK) and later he was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, the information minister said.

"Sheikh Jamal was a brilliant youth. At the same time, he liked to do cultural activities. He had a deep passion for sports too," Hasan said. 

With the killing of Sheikh Jamal, Bangladesh had lost a meritorious youth, he observed.

Hasan said Sheikh Jamal, a promising youth who could serve the country a lot and make contributions to the nation building, was assassinated.

AL Deputy Publicity Secretary Syed Abdul Awal Shamim, party's National Committee Member Balaram Poddar and Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad General Secretary Dr Kamrul Hasan were present, among others.