Dhaka, Dec. 14 -- The authorities at Jagannath Hall have erased road paintings of Ghulam Azam, Motiur Rahman Nizami, and Abdul Quader Molla - who were convicted of war crimes - from the streets in front of the dormitory.

The paintings were created to mark Martyred Intellectuals Day, observed across Bangladesh on Sunday. On December 14, 1971, as Pakistan's surrender neared during the Liberation War, its forces killed numerous intellectuals.

The hall authorities said they erased the paintings following an order from the university authorities and in the wake of a demand from students.

Students said the hall authorities defended their action, saying it was necessary to ensure security in the dormitory.

The paintings were created on the s...