That was news. It was sad, but it happened. This was not the first time. Attacks on rallies and processions of rival political parties, assassination attempts on politicians, abductions and forced disappearances, lynchings are nothing new in the history of this country. This has been happening in independent Bangladesh since 1972. The size and nature of such incidents increased with time. All this can be learned from the old issues of newspapers.
Before the incident of 21 August 2004, such a big incident took place on 24 January 1988. A rally of 8 party alliance was held at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram. There was an armed attack on Sheikh Hasina’s convoy going from Chattogram airport to the venue of the rally. The police resorted to lathicharge and firing from the Chattogram court building. According to Awami League sources, Sheikh Hasina was not hurt in the incident, but 30 Awami League leaders and workers were killed. Other sources state that 7 people were killed and 300 were injured. He was fired twice while giving a speech at Laldighi Maidan, but he did not get hit. While returning from the car after the meeting, his car was fired upon again. The next day Ittefaq reported that the police and BDR opened fire with the intention of killing Sheikh Hasina.
The Chattogram murders were tried and five members of the police were sentenced to death by the court. They were constables Mustafizur Rahman, Pradeep Baruah, Shah Mohammad Abdullah, Mumtaz Uddin and patrolling inspector JC Mandal. I don’t want to comment on the court’s decision, but it seems hardly possible that a handful of constables and inspectors would commit such a horrific incident. Hussain Mohammad Irshad was in power at that time. He had always maintained an equation with the Awami League. Nevertheless, five low-ranking members of the police force were hanged.
There was no mention of any constable in the incident of 21 August 2004. The charges go up to the top. Later a case was registered in this regard. Several high-ranking civilian and military officials were sentenced to death and different prison terms by the court. The matter is currently with the Appellate Division. In other cases, three have already been hanged.