Where will we hide this shame?

The brave freedom fighters are the heroes of this country, and the Liberation War remains the most glorious chapter of our history. However, it is deeply saddening and shameful that, in recent times, certain individuals have been dishonoring both the Liberation War and its heroes in various ways. One such incident occurred last Sunday in the Chauddagram area of Cumilla.

As reported on Monday (December 23), a freedom fighter was humiliated when a garland of shoes was draped around his neck. This disgraceful act took place in front of the Kuliyara Government Primary School in Batisa Union, Chauddagram. The following evening, a video of the incident was posted on Facebook, quickly spreading across social media and drawing widespread condemnation.

According to the information received, the victim, Abdul Hai, also known as Kanu (78), is a Bir Protik. He is a resident of Ludiyara village, located near the scene of the incident. Abdul Hai is a member of the Central Committee of the Krishak League and a former vice-president of the South Cumilla District unit of the same organization. His family claims that those who assaulted him are all local Jamaat-e-Islami and Shibir leaders and activists. Abdul Hai has been threatened with being forced to leave the area.

Following this incident, Abdul Hai has fallen ill and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Feni. Late last night, around 11:15 PM, while receiving medical care, he stated, "I don't have much to say. I fought for the country’s independence for the freedom of the people, but I have never experienced the benefits of that freedom.

“I couldn't visit my home for eight years because I spoke out against the irregularities, oppression, and corruption of former Awami League MP Mujibul Haque in Chauddagram. My house was attacked during that time. I thought I would at least be able to sleep in my own home now, but it seems that hope will not be fulfilled. So, for whom did I fight for this country’s independence? Certainly not to be insulted like this with a garland of shoes."

This shame is not only for Bir Protik Abdul Hai alone, but for all of us. We do not have the words to express this shame. Those who risked their lives for the freedom of this country—what is happening with them today? He is an elderly man, and how is it possible to treat an elderly person like this?

On social media, some are now listing his faults. If he had committed any crime, it should have been judged through the law and the courts. Why this mob justice? Even if he were not a freedom fighter, if he were an ordinary man, such behavior towards an elderly person would still be utterly unacceptable. It is unacceptable towards anyone.

But today, the country has fallen so low that there is doubt as to whom we should turn for justice. Abdul Hai, the freedom fighter, has also said that despite repeatedly calling the police, he received no response. When he was humiliated in front of countless people, many just stood by and watched the incident, with no one coming forward to help.

Where has our sense of morality lost? It is needless to say that the culture of impunity is prevalent in the country. Since the people’s uprising, this kind of mob justice has been ongoing. Upon observing the incident, it seems that Abdul Hai, being a freedom fighter, was deliberately humiliated this way, and this may have been done with the intention of creating an unstable environment in the country. Therefore, the concerned authorities must investigate this incident promptly and ensure proper justice. Whoever the perpetrators may be, they must be arrested and provided exemplary punishment.