Aminul Islam, a leader from Lalbagh area, spoke during the blockade. Despite agreeing to be interviewed, he withdrew it out of fear of arrest. He agreed to meet his wife Monowara Sultana, who works in a private firm. Desperation was clearly visible in his voice. Aminul was arrested once in August and has just come out of jail in October. After October 28, he did not return home again.
Monowara said that an Awami League leader lives opposite his house. If Aminul is seen around the house he informs the police. Even at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning the police knocks on their door. His 80 year old father-in-law and 15 year old son stay awake the whole night. He questioned why people have to face police investigation just for joining politics.
Two policemen spoke in connection with his question. Their names are not being disclosed for obvious reasons. A policeman posted in front of the closed BNP office in Naya Paltan area said, ‘There are tigers in Sundarban. If you go near them they may feast on you. Therefore, you will not go to Sundarban just because of fear.” That means the police have now started considering themselves as lions.
When he was asked, ‘Why do you think the police are blaming the dead, migrants, senior citizens and sons without finding their sons?’ He replied, “What can I say! I have nothing to say!”
*Sheikh Sabiha Alam, assistant editor at Prothom Alam [email protected]
*This opinion piece appears in the print and online editions of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Naureen Ahmed Monisha.