Dhaka: Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Wednesday said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia tried to create controversy about the number of the Liberation War martyrs, but failed.

He came up with the remarks while addressing a reception accorded to women who contributed to the Liberation War.

The programme was organised by 71 Foundation at Bangladesh Shishu Academy, marking the 46^th Independence Day.

Tofail said Pakistan refused to accept the number of the martyrs and Khaleda supported the denial by raising question in this regard.  ‘Bangladesh has developed much in many indexes compared to Pakistan.

But Khaleda believes in what Pakistan says,’ he said.

At the programme, the minister handed over crests to 11 women freedom fighters and their relatives.

The recipients are: Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, Ayesha Khanom, Prof Panna Qaiser, Ferdousi Priovashini, Dr Valerie A Taylor, Momtaj Begum, Rokeya Kabir, Lubna Mariam, Sheela Momen, Advocate Sultana Kamal and Prof Hannana Begum.

Former Deputy Speaker Col (retd) Shawkat Ali, MP, and Chairman of 71 Foundation Dr Khaled Shawkat Ali were also present on the occasion.