Attack on Liberation War Memorial in Narayanganj, Freedom Fighters Physically Abused (video)

In a disturbing incident on December 4, 2024, BNP activist reportedly stormed the Liberation War Memorial Complex in Narayanganj, vandalizing historical images and relics related to the Liberation War, and allegedly physically abusing the freedom fighters present. The incident took place at around 10:00 AM at the Bandar Upazila Liberation War Memorial Complex in Narayanganj.

According to reports, the attack, vandalism, and abuse were led by Mohammad Humayun Kabir, the Organizational Secretary of the Youth Wing of BNP in Bandar Thana, along with other BNP leaders and activists.

At the time of the attack, the Deputy Commander of the Bandar Upazila Liberation War Command, Freedom Fighter Kazi Nasir, and other members of the command were present at the memorial. The attackers reportedly verbally abused the elderly freedom fighters, calling them “stooges of autocracy” and “associates of fascism,” as seen in a video that spread on social media. They also made derogatory remarks, including calling the freedom fighters “collaborators of dictatorship” and questioning why images of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina were still displayed at the memorial, claiming that the country had been “free” since August 5.

During the attack, the premises of the Liberation War Memorial Complex, including the courtyard and surrounding areas, were seen littered with broken items, including the historical photograph of the Mujibnagar government’s oath-taking, along with other relics of the Liberation War. The assailants were seen shouting orders at the freedom fighters, instructing them to leave their seats. They were also seen violating the complex, smashing windows and furniture inside.

Humayun Kabir and his associates have claimed that the attack and vandalism were due to the belief that the memorial was a “hub for autocracy and conspiracy,” and that the freedom fighters were allegedly plotting to undermine the country’s image. They further claimed that the freedom fighters were conspiring to incite trouble among the Hindu community in the Bandar area.

In response, Freedom Fighter Kazi Nasir and his comrades clarified that they frequently visit the memorial to meet their fellow fighters, reminisce about their past, and check on each other. They denied any involvement in political conspiracy or divisive activities. “If we are not allowed to keep pictures of the leaders of 1971, the four national leaders, and our supreme commander, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who should we honor? Should we display pictures of the collaborators (Razakars)?” Kazi Nasir expressed in frustration.

The attackers have denied the physical abuse claims. Local BNP leaders refused to comment on the incident.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the community, with prominent freedom fighters including Mosharraf Hossain Khan, Abdul Jabbar, Abdul Aziz, Kazi Mobarak, Haji Liakat Ali, Abdus Salam, and others calling for a swift investigation and justice for the perpetrators.