"We don't feel safe as some unidentified men have been threatening us since we had demanded the arrest and trial of the killers of my husband," Asma Kibria told a press briefing at her Dhanmandi residence. She was announcing the 'silent, peaceful protest' programme taken up for today to demand impartial investigations into all political killings and a stop to violence. The countrywide programme starts from 3:00pm to continue till 3:30pm.

Alleging that the government has been harassing them in many ways, she asked, "Don't I have the right to seek justice in a democratic country?"

Referring to a particular news item aired recently on a private television channel owned by a ruling party member, she said it was used to propagate a threat against Kibria family. She, however, did not utter the name.

Rejecting allegations of tarnishing the country's image, she asked, "How could seeking justice damage the reputation of the country?"

"The government has already smeared the country by killing internationally-famed economist SAMS Kibria," she added.

Mrs Kibria called upon people from all walks of life, especially the pro-liberation forces, to unite in opposition to the rise of religious extremists. "Wherever you are, please join these protest."

Asma asked people to wear black badge and stand in an open space with a black flag in hand for today's protest.

She said that the family would also launch an international campaign against the killing of the former finance minister.

Seeking a robust role by the country's freedom fighters in the movement, she said their presence will renew the spirit of the youth and remind them of the great courage that Bengalis once showed to earn independence.

She said this when a delegation of the Muktijoddha Sangsad led by Dr ABM Zaforullah and Mohammad Salahuddin visited her at the Dhanmondi residence.

Recalling the contribution of freedom fighters to freeing the country from Pakistani repression, she said "My husband was one of you and I know that even his own modest contributions to the struggle for liberation had not gone unappreciated. You, the 'band of brothers' who won freedom for our country, is one short of a member today."

"Still, enough of you are left to make a difference, to turn the tide of the battle, and to sweep away the forces of evil," she added.

The delegation requested Asma Kibria to lead the movement against violence and anarchy instigated by the axis of anti-liberation forces.

Replying to a query, she said they did not request postponement of the Saarc Summit. But the government could have done that on its own, she said adding, "Kibria had drafted the original Saarc charter. I feel bad when I see lights glow bright as part of holding of the Saarc summit.

Earlier, leaders of Muktijoddha Sanghati Parishad and Amra Muktijoddhar Santan met her to express solidarity with today's programme.

Different professional bodies and political organisations in separate statements expressed solidarity as well with the programme.

Organisations that expressed solidarity include Communist Party Bangladesh (CPB), Sammilito Ainjibi Parishad, Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad and Swadhinata Chikitshak Parishad.

Our CU correspondent adds: The Chittagong University Teachers Association (CUTA) yesterday expressed their solidarity with today's 30-minute 'silent protest'.

Cuta in a statement said they would come up with all-out cooperation for the movement spearheaded by Asma Kibria.

The Cuta leaders also requested the civil society members to gather on the local Shaheed Minar premises at 3pm today to register protest at the brutal killing of SAMS Kibria.