An arson attack has occurred at the reserved section for freedom fighters in the Tarapur graveyard of Bahadurpur Union in Pangsha Upazila, Rajbari.
On 7 December in the early morning hours, unidentified miscreants set fire to the graveyard.
Area residents and local freedom fighters have commented that this incident is a planned conspiracy by anti-independence forces. In their words, “Those who cannot accept the history of the Liberation War are the ones who have committed such disgraceful acts. Did we liberate the country to witness such incidents?” They demanded a swift and proper investigation and exemplary punishment for the culprits.
Shahidul Islam, the muezzin of Tarapur Jame Mosque and caretaker of the graveyard, stated that while going to give the call for Fajr prayers, he saw the fire in the graveyard. Later, after making an announcement through the mosque’s loudspeaker, local people and students from a Hafezkhana (Quran memorisation school) came and quickly brought the fire under control.
He said, “This is not an accident. There is no electricity connection here, nor is it beside the road. This is clearly a planned and destructive act.”
Nurul Alam, secretary of Eidgah Graveyard and an assistant teacher at a local primary school, said the incident is very disgraceful. On behalf of the committee, a General Diary (GD) will be filed at the police station, and the administration has been informed.
Bir Muktijoddha, retired teacher Md Samsher Ali, joint convener of Bahadurpur Union Muktijoddha Sangshad, said, “We fought in 1971, risking our lives for the country. Seeing such an incident at the end of one’s life truly makes the heart heavy. I believe it is the defeated forces of ’71 who have done such a thing.”
Freedom fighter Enamul Haque said, “Fires are being set even to human graves – what kind of society are we living in? A proper investigation into this incident is essential.”
Nazrul Islam Khan Jahangir, member secretary of Pangsha Upazila Muktijoddha Sangshad Command Council and former principal, said, “The defeated forces of ’71 are now carrying out sabotage even at the graves of freedom fighters. If this is not tried, in the future, freedom fighters will have no existence in this country. I demand a swift investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible for this incident that occurred during Victory Month.”
Sajib Hossain, chairman of Bahadurpur Union and President of Eidgah Graveyard, said, “The incident is extremely saddening. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) has been informed. He has said he will visit the spot.”
The incident has created intense concern and anger in the area. Locals have demanded the swift identification and apprehension of the real culprits under the law.
Pangsha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Rifatul Haque said, “I have inspected the graveyard damaged by the fire. The miscreants will be quickly identified and brought under the law.”
