28 prominent citizens condemn obstruction of freedom fighter’s burial in Pirojpur

Twenty-eight prominent citizens have strongly condemned the alleged obstruction of the burial and state guard of honour for freedom fighter Manik Pashari in Pirojpur, describing the incident as a violation of fundamental human rights.

In a joint statement issued today (31 October), they demanded a thorough investigation and strict legal action against those responsible.

The signatories include human rights activist Advocate Sultana Kamal, Nijera Kori Coordinator Khushi Kabir, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, senior lawyer ZI Khan Panna, Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam and Campaign for Popular Education Executive Director Rasheda K Chowdhury.

The statement described the circumstances surrounding Pashari’s burial and the provision of a guard of honour following his death on 24 October as deeply regrettable and condemnable.

Citing accounts from various sources, it alleged that local Jamaat-e-Islami activists filled in the grave after it had initially been dug. Later, at around 2am, his daughter and two sisters dug the grave again with the assistance of village police, using mobile phone lights.

His burial was eventually completed under police protection, around 15 hours after his death, according to the statement.

Manik Pashari was a resident of Chitalia village under Shankarpasha Union in Pirojpur Sadar upazila. He had been staying at his daughter’s home in Gopalganj since the mass uprising of 5 August 2024, where he died on 24 October.

The statement alleged that although arrangements had been made to give him a state guard of honour in recognition of his status as a freedom fighter, members of Jamaat-e-Islami questioned his identity and obstructed his burial.

The signatories said only the state had the authority to determine whether someone officially recognised as a freedom fighter qualified for that status.

While the government could conduct verification where necessary, no political party or group had the authority to make such a determination independently, they said.

The statement further said the right to a dignified funeral and burial was a fundamental human right. Preventing funeral prayers or burial because of someone’s political views or past activities was unacceptable and contrary to the teachings of Islam and other religions, it added.

The signatories also referred to historical allegations of war crimes, including the killing of intellectuals, against Jamaat leaders during the Liberation War. They noted that several senior leaders of the party had been convicted of such crimes, while the party had yet to publicly apologise for its opposition to the Liberation War.

Describing the alleged obstruction of Pashari’s burial as a criminal offence, the citizens called for an impartial investigation and strict legal action against those involved.

Other signatories include Dhaka University professors Samina Luthfa, Sumaiya Khair, Tanzimuddin Khan, Zobaida Nasreen and Robaiyat Ferdous; photographer Shahidul Alam; writers and researchers Rehnuma Ahmed and Pavel Partha; and senior lawyers Subrata Chowdhury, Tabarak Hossain and Salma Ali.

The joint statement was sent by Shamsul Huda, executive director of the Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD).