In the heart of Dhaka’s escalating unrest, BNP workers Nizamuddin Minto and Zakir Hossain have emerged with harrowing accounts of their experiences during a night of terror on July 22. Their ordeal, marked by violence and psychological torture, highlights the intense and troubling reality of Bangladesh’s ongoing crisis.
The Night of Terror: BNP Workers’ Harrowing Experience
Nizamuddin Minto and Zakir Hossain were arrested on July 22 for aiding students during a major movement in Dhaka. They distributed essential supplies like water and food, but their act of solidarity led to a nightmarish encounter with the authorities.
Minto describes the scene vividly:
- At 12:30 am, a group of policemen in plainclothes stormed into their room, brandishing a pistol and threatening violence.
- They were informed by a CID officer that they were under arrest and would face execution, with claims that they had already “killed many cops.”
- The officers alleged that they had executed 25 youths and that Minto and Hossain would be the next victims if they did not cooperate.
They were then transported on a 14-seater bus, surrounded by 18-20 armed CID personnel. On the bus, they were handcuffed and subjected to electric shocks with an unknown device. The officers demanded information about protesters, using severe physical and psychological pressure.
A Crucial Turning Point: The Postogola Bridge Incident
Minto and Hossain were taken to Postogola Bridge over the Buriganga River, where they faced a chilling ultimatum:
- They were ordered to stand on the bridge railing and given two choices: help arrest at least 10 protesters or face execution.
- Pretending to comply, they were then taken to the CID headquarters at Malibagh in Dhaka.
At the headquarters, they were imprisoned in a cell with five other detainees. Over the next four days, they endured constant interrogation, abuse, and assault as the authorities sought information about the protesters.
The Unfolding Crisis and Release
On August 5, news of the political upheaval reached Minto and Hossain. The fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government marked a significant shift in the situation. The following morning, they were informed of their imminent release.
An elderly sentry at the detention centre told them, “Apnader aaj mukti deoa hobe” (You will be set free today). They, along with nearly 3,400 political prisoners, were released around 10:30 pm.
Broader Impact of the Crisis on Bangladesh
The violence in Dhaka has had widespread repercussions:
- India’s Response: In response to the unrest, India evacuated non-essential staff and families from its Dhaka high commission. Indian diplomats remained in place, but the move underscores the severity of the situation.
- Flight Cancellations: Major Indian carriers like Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara have cancelled flights to Dhaka due to the temporary closure of the city’s airport. They have offered waivers for rescheduling and cancellations to ensure passenger safety.
- Train Service Suspensions: The Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express and the Bandhan Express have been suspended due to the unrest, impacting cross-border travel between India and Bangladesh.
What This Means for Bangladesh’s Future
The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid and volatile. The experiences of Minto and Hossain are a stark reminder of the human cost of political instability. As the country navigates this tumultuous period, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring stability and peace.
Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Peace and Stability
The crisis in Bangladesh has exposed deep fractures within the nation’s political and social fabric. The terrifying experiences of BNP workers like Minto and Hossain illustrate the broader human impact of the ongoing unrest. As the nation grapples with its future, the hope for a peaceful resolution and restored stability remains paramount.
