Special Correspondent: Under the oppressive regime of Hasina, all cases of enforced disappearances and murders must now be prioritized for justice. We demand swift justice, but speed must not compromise the quality of the legal process. The topic of elections is frequently discussed now. In our view, no election in Bangladesh will be acceptable without justice for enforced disappearances, murders, and genocide, said renowned public health expert and former WHO Southeast Asia regional advisor, Dr. Mozaherul Haq. He expressed this opinion as the chief guest during the discussion and public iftar organized by my Bangladesh (AB) Party on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day celebration.
AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju was presided over the event where Joint General Secretary Shahadatullah Tutul moderated and Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of the human rights organization Mayer Daak was present as a special guest in the discussion meeting. The event organized at the Bijoy Ekattor Square adjacent to the party’s central office. AB party Vice Chairman Lt. Col. (Retd.) Didarul Alam, National Executive Council member Abbas Islam Khan Noman, Central Freedom Fighter Affairs Secretary Freedom Fighter Haider Ali Chowdhury, AB Jubo Party member secretary Hadiuzzaman Khokon, International Committee member Hazra Mehzabin were spoken among others.
In his speech, Dr. Mozaherul Haq also said, “Without the establishment of justice in a country, the state cannot function effectively. For justice, we need honest judges. If the AB Party comes to power in the future, we will play a role in ensuring justice, Inshaaa Allah. We want to elect leaders like the AB Party who are honest and competent in the next election.” He further claimed, “If you trust the AB Party, you will get a good government in the future.”
In the special guest speech, Sanjida Tuli of Maayer Daak said, “The suffering we, the families of the disappeared, have been enduring for over a decade and a half is unimaginable. I have not yet received my brother back, nor have I received justice. Today is the great Independence Day, and we have gained another form of freedom in August. All cases of enforced disappearances and murders must be dealt with transparently. We demand justice for Hasina. We do not want to see anyone like the Awami League in power. We will never let the Hasina regime return again.”
AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad said, “In the past 16 years, people have been abducted from their homes, streets, and offices, taken away, and imprisoned in secret places. Various intelligence agencies and Awami League thugs would take citizens from their homes. Many of the bodies are still missing. We all wish we could visit the grave of our loved ones, but the Hasina government has not even allowed that opportunity. Not knowing whether your loved one is alive or dead is a pain that only the victims can truly understand.”
“Many people involved in the enforced disappearances are still in their positions, and no action has been taken against them, which is truly unfortunate. The politics of Bangladesh is about bringing everyone back together, where no one should have to suffer from enforced disappearances or murders. We demand quick justice for all enforced disappearances and murders,” he added.
In his presidential speech, Dr Mofazzal Hossain Mantu said, “We were once part of East Pakistan and West Pakistan. West Pakistan humiliated and discriminated against us, which led to the necessity of the Liberation War. In 1971, the state of Bangladesh was born. The 24th of March marks the failure of realizing the dreams of 1971. 1971 is our existence, and 24th March is our inspiration.”
He continued, “Some are trying to pit 1971 against 24, but in reality, 24 March was born to protect the essence of 1971. The failure to fulfill the expectations that were the basis of our independence made the 24 March people’s uprising inevitable.”
AB Party leaders, including Joint General Secretary Abdullah Mamun Rana, Joint Convener of Dhaka South City Abdul Halim Khokon, Secretary of Dhaka North City Selim Khan, Joint Secretary of Dhaka South City Barakah Nasir Ahmed, Saffiul Basar, Relief and Rehabilitation Secretary Sultana Raziya, Disaster Management Secretary Masud Jamadar Rana, Deputy Central Publicity Secretary Azadul Islam Azad, Deputy Office Secretary Advocate Sharan Chowdhury, Deputy Organizational Secretary Shahjahan Bapari, Deputy Finance Secretary Abu Bakar Siddique, Deputy Women’s Development Secretary Shahinur Akter Shila, Paltan Thana Convener Abdul Kader Munsi, Youth Party Office Secretary Amanullah Rasul, and other central and city-level leaders of AB Party were also attended in the events.
