A video showing a freedom fighter, Abdul Hai Kanu, being assaulted and forced to wear a garland of shoes in front of Kuliyara Primary School in Chauddagram, Comilla, has gone viral on social media in the country.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon and was carried out by local residents.
Chauddagram Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) ATM Akteruzzaman confirmed the incident.
In the one-minute, 46-second video, 10 to 12 individuals are seen cornering Abdul Hai Kanu, forcing him to wear a garland of shoes, and threatening to expel him from the area.
The incident was reportedly led by a local expatriate returnee, Abul Hashem, and another youth named Ohid.
The video also shows a few young men, along with a middle-aged man, bringing Abdul Hai Kanu forward.
The freedom fighter, dressed in a red waistcoat and traditional panjabi, is seen with the garland of shoes around his neck.
During the incident, one person is heard telling him to leave his home, while another demands that he leave Comilla altogether.
The attackers repeatedly shouted: "You cannot stay in this area. Not even in Comilla. Comilla out, area out, let him go."
When Abdul Hai Kanu pleaded not to be forced out of his home, the middle-aged man retorted: “Were we able to live at home for so many years?”
Another individual asked: “Can you apologize to the entire village?” At this point, Kanu folded his hands and apologized to everyone. Eventually, two men held his hands and led him away.
Who is responsible?
Speaking about the incident, Abdul Hai Kanu said: “They caught me alone and forcibly put the garland of shoes around my neck while recording the video.”
In a voice choked with emotion, he added: “You can see in the video who is involved. To whom should I seek justice? Allah will deliver justice.” He refrained from naming the attackers.
Some locals claimed that one of the harassers of the freedom fighter Abdul Hai Kanu, Abul Hashem is a supporter of Jamaat-e-Islami.
However, Chauddagram Upazila Jamaat Ameer Md Mahfuzur Rahman said: “Jamaat has no connection to this incident. Abul Hashem holds no position in Jamaat. Even if he is a supporter, we will ensure justice is served.”
OC ATM Akteruzzaman said: “Freedom fighter Kanu informed me of the matter on Sunday night. He has been advised to file a complaint at the police station.”
It has been learned that Abdul Hai Kanu is a member of the Central Committee of Krishak League.
Although he is associated with Awami League politics, he supported Mizan, a rival of former Railways Minister Mujibul Haque.
This allegiance led to him being displaced from the area for several years due to Mujibul's influence.
Upon his recent return to the area, he was attacked again.
Meanwhile, following the incident, Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has issued a statement, condemning the incident.
The statement said: “The police and local administration have been asked to launch an investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to book. Local police have said Abdul Hai Kanu is an accused in nine cases, including murder. We ask all to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.”
