Last year, three prominent leaders of the Awami League (AL)– former law minister Annisul Huq, former shipping minister Shajahan Khan, and Salman F. Rahman, former adviser to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina– were seen leading jubilant celebrations for their party’s founding anniversary. Their participation in various meetings, discussions, colorful processions, and rallies painted a picture of political vigour and celebration on June 23.
However, this year, as the AL marked the same anniversary, the three leaders, like many others, found themselves within the walls of a courtroom, facing charges of involvement in murders.
A Dhaka court placed the trio on two-day remands each in connection with the murder of Sajedur Rahman, a 20-year-old student who sustained bullet injuries during the anti-discrimination student movement in Jatrabari, Dhaka.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mahbub Alam passed the remand order on Monday after the police presented the accused before the court. The prosecution had initially sought a five-day remand for the three leaders in the case filed at Jatrabari Police Station.
The contrast between this year’s court appearance and last year’s vibrant anniversary celebrations is stark. As the Awami League, whose activities are banned, commemorates its founding, virtual discussions and scattered Chhatra League processions are all that mark the occasion. The Chhatra League is also banned due to its violent actions during the July-August uprising.
Sheikh Hasina, wanted for a number of murder cases, observed her party’s founding anniversary only through virtual arrangements from India, where she fled on August 5, 2024, following a mass upsurge that overthrew her from power. Hundreds of people were killed by Hasina’s police, other forces, and armed activists from her party and its front organisations.
Though Hasina and many others fled, a number of AL leaders, including Annisul Huq, Shajahan Khan and Salman F. Rahman, are facing trials for murder and other charges.