As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of a violent crackdown that claimed over 1,000 lives, the country faces a new chapter of turmoil and seeks justice. The recent departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country last month, has left a power vacuum and a nation reeling from unprecedented violence and loss.
For Mahabubar Rahman, the pain of losing his only son, Shoikot, is a stark reminder of the brutality endured during the final days of Hasina’s 15-year rule. “Sheikh Hasina is a criminal responsible for his death,” Rahman said, his voice choked with grief. “She has shattered us.”
The violence that unfolded in late July and early August marked one of the darkest periods in Bangladesh’s history. What began as student protests rapidly escalated into a widespread uprising against Hasina’s authoritarian regime. Known for her intolerance of dissent, Hasina’s response was a violent crackdown that included batons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. Brutality was so severe that even helicopters were deployed to fire at crowds.
On August 5, as nearly a million protesters converged on the capital, Dhaka, demanding Hasina’s resignation, the situation reached a tipping point. Faced with a choice between continuing the massacre or fleeing, Hasina chose the latter. With her sister in tow, she escaped by helicopter to India, where she remains in exile.
A Nation in Mourning
Under an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and former political rival of Hasina, Bangladesh is struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of bloodshed. The death toll has been confirmed to exceed 1,000, with an estimated 400 protesters losing their sight due to police pellet firing. This period is now recognized as one of the bloodiest in the nation’s history.
Amidst the chaos, many families like Rahman’s are fighting for justice. Over 100 families have filed police cases directly implicating Hasina, her top ministers, and senior police officials. y accuses me of orchestrating violence and demanding accountability for the deaths of my loved ones. “Previously filing a case was pointless – how can you ask for justice from killers?” Rahman said. “Now I have hope. But it will never make up for what she took from us.”
Tragic Story of Shoikot
Mahamudur Rahman Shoikot, a 19-year-old student and beloved member of his family, was not initially meant to join protests. Described as a cherished youngest sibling, Shoikot was doted on by his family, especially his elder sister Sabrina Afroz Sabonti. She recalled her anguish upon discovering Shoikot’s secret Facebook profile, fearing for his safety.
Despite his mom’s objections, Shoikot felt compelled to join protests, driven by a sense of duty and frustration. On July 19, he left home under the pretense of a brief errand but never returned. Amid escalating violence and chaos in his neighborhood, his family frantically tried to contact him. Tragic news came from a stranger who informed me of Shoikot’s death and directed me to the hospital.
Looking Forward: Justice and Accountability
With Hasina’s departure, the focus has shifted to the interim government and international bodies to address atrocities. Families like Rahman’s are pinning our hopes on international courts and human rights organizations to seek justice. As the country seeks to rebuild and address deep wounds inflicted by recent violence, the pursuit of accountability remains a critical issue for Bangladesh.
The international community’s response and involvement could play a crucial role in ensuring that perpetrators of this violence are held accountable and that such a tragic chapter in Bangladesh’s history is thoroughly addressed.
