28 eminent citizens condemn obstruction to freedom fighter Manik Pashari’s burial

Advocate Sultana Kamal, Khushi Kabir, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, senior lawyer Z I Khan Panna, Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam, photographer Shahidul Alam and 24 other eminent citizens have expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the obstruction to the burial and state guard of honour of Bir Muktijoddha Manik Pashari in Pirojpur. They said obstructing anyone’s janaza and burial due to political position or past role is unacceptable and a violation of fundamental human rights on Saturday (October 31).

In a joint statement sent to the media, the signatories said the situation that arose in Pirojpur over the guard of honour and burial of Bir Muktijoddha Manik Pashari after his death on October 24 was extremely unfortunate, undesirable and condemnable.

Citing information from various sources, the statement said local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists filled up the grave after it was dug for the first time. Later, Manik Pashari’s daughter and two sisters dug the grave again with the help of village police under the light of mobile phones after around 2am. His burial was completed under police security nearly 15 hours after his death.

The statement further said an initiative was taken to bury Manik Pashari with a guard of honour as a freedom fighter according to state rules. But Jamaat-e-Islami obstructed the burial by raising questions over whether he was a freedom fighter. Only the state has the authority to determine whether a person recognised by the state as a freedom fighter is one or not. No political party or group can take such a decision.

Criticising Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in 1971, the statement said the party had opposed the Liberation War. Documentary evidence has proved war crimes charges, including the killing of intellectuals, against many of its leaders. However, the party has not admitted responsibility for these crimes or publicly sought forgiveness for opposing the Liberation War, the citizens claimed.

They said what happened to Manik Pashari amounts to a criminal offence. Proper burial of the deceased with dignity is the teaching of Islam and all religions. The disrespect shown to him by ignoring that teaching is condemnable.

The statement demanded proper investigation and appropriate strict legal action against those involved in the incident.