Those questioning the number of martyrs in the country's Liberation War either do not know the history or are trying to distort it, said Professor Anisuzzaman today.

The preeminent intellectual made the comment at an event at Bangla Academy premises referring to recent comments of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

"I hope the people of the country will give a befitting reply those who are raising such questions," he said.

"The Nazis killed 60 lakh Jews in Germany during the Holocaust. Nobody carried out a headcount, it was accepted. So is the same for the martyrs of our Liberation War," he added.

The book named "Americay Jahanara Imam er shesh din guli" (the last days of Jahanara Imam in America) written by Dr Nuran Nabi was being launched at the event.

Khaleda, in her first public address in more than a year on last Monday, said "there are controversies over exactly how many freedom fighters were killed in the Liberation War."

The comment drew widespread flak among pro-liberation forces in the country.