Freedom Fighter humiliated with shoe garland in Cumilla

An incident in Cumilla’s Chauddagram Upazila, where a freedom fighter was publicly humiliated by having a shoe garland placed around his neck, has ignited widespread anger and condemnation.

The humiliating event took place on Sunday afternoon in front of Kuliyara Primary School in the upazila. 

A video recording of the incident, lasting 1 minute and 46 seconds, was shared on Facebook later that evening, prompting widespread outrage and criticism.

In response, the Prime Minister‍‍`s Office issued a strong statement condemning the incident and directed the police and local authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that the perpetrators face legal action.

The victim of this disgraceful act is Abdul Hai, commonly known as Kanu, a 78-year-old freedom fighter from Ludiyara village, which is near the site of the incident. 

He is also a member of the Krishak League’s central committee and a former vice-president of the organization’s Cumilla South District chapter.

According to his family, the individuals responsible for this attack are members of the local Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Shibir, who have been threatening Abdul Hai, urging him to leave the area.

When contacted about the incident, Mahfuzur Rahman, the Ameer (leader) of the local Jamaat-e-Islami chapter, stated around 11:30 p.m. last night, “The Officer-in-Charge (OC) informed me of the incident just a while ago. It is simply unacceptable to humiliate a freedom fighter in such a manner. We are looking into the situation, and if any members of Jamaat or Shibir are involved, we will definitely take organizational action.”

Chauddagram Police Station OC ATM Akhtaruzzaman also commented on the matter, saying, "We are currently gathering information on those who were involved in the humiliation of the freedom fighter."

Local residents noted that Kanu, a member of the Krishak League’s central committee, had not been able to visit the area for the past eight years due to a conflict with former Awami League MP Mujibul Haque. 

During that time, his house was attacked, and multiple cases were filed against him.

On Sunday afternoon, approximately 20 individuals caught Kanu while he was alone in a nearby village, assaulted him, and placed a garland of shoes around his neck. The assailants later filmed the entire ordeal.

In the video, which has now gone viral on Facebook, a man is seen dragging freedom fighter Kanu by the hand, while a rope with several shoes tied to it is placed around his neck. Around 15 people can be seen surrounding him.

At one point in the video, Kanu removes the shoe garland and pleads to be allowed to stay in the area, but those surrounding him continue to threaten him, demanding that he leave the area. 

One of the individuals can be heard asking, “Can you apologize in front of the whole village?” At this point, Kanu raises both of his hands in the air as a gesture of apology.

Following the incident, the elderly freedom fighter was admitted to a hospital in Feni, where he is currently recovering. Speaking to journalists, Kanu stated, “Local Jamaat supporter and expatriate Abul Hashem, along with Ohid, Russell, Palash, and about 10 to 12 others, caught me while I was alone, forcibly put the garland of shoes around my neck, and recorded the video. I have never done them any harm.”

OC Akhtaruzzaman of Chauddagram Police noted that, “The freedom fighter informed me of the incident over the phone shortly after it happened. However, he said he did not wish to file a formal complaint. After the video went viral later that night, we urged him once again to file a complaint.”

“We are currently identifying those involved, and legal action will be taken against them.”

When asked why he was reluctant to file a complaint, Abdul Hai Kanu responded, “Who should I seek justice from? What good will filing a case do? Is this the kind of Bangladesh we risked our lives for during the Liberation War?”

Attempts to contact Abul Hashem and the other accused individuals were unsuccessful. When questioned about their alleged involvement with Jamaat, Chauddagram Upazila Jamaat Ameer Mahfuzur Rahman responded, “We are investigating the matter. If any Jamaat members are found to be involved, we will take organizational actions accordingly.”