Mobocracy of the Yunus-led interim government supporters reached a new high due to the ban on the Awami League, Chhatra League, and other associated bodies, and the impunity awarded to the perpetrators of violence.
In the last 10 months, hundreds of Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters were killed brutally; thousands of others were tortured; and over 3,59,000 people were arrested in false and fictitious cases.
While the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) was banned in October, the ban on the Awami League was imposed on May 12.
Because of the state-sponsored repression, the leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations have to stay outside their homes. Many have left the country, while others are staying in hideouts. Mob violence and killings continue unabated.
The same was the fate of Shafiqul Islam Simanto, 22, an activist of the Chhatra League from Dhamrai Government College.
He had been hiding since the August 5 changeover, fearing for his life.
Police recovered his body from Beelkushnai village under Jadavpur Union in Dhamrai on Saturday morning. The criminals hacked him with sharp weapons and cut his tendons.
Simanto is the son of Kuddus Mia of the same village.
His sister Suma Akter said she had spoken to Simanto on the night before Eid over the phone. “He told me that he was threatened and might not stay alive.”
Dhamrai police station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam confirmed the incident. He added that the body was sent to Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital for an autopsy.
The leaders and activists of the Awami League and affiliated bodies have demanded a proper investigation into the brutal murder and arrest of the culprits.
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