Freedom Fighter Buried Without State Honours After BNP Leader’s Objection, Officials Leave the Site

District Representative

The burial of freedom fighter and former teacher Delwar Hossain (85) in Bakshiganj, Jamalpur, was not accorded state honors.

The administration said that the guard of honor was postponed at the last minute due to objections from some people, including Upazila Freedom Fighter Commander and Upazila BNP Liberation War Affairs Secretary Naushed Ali.

Delwar Hossain was buried in the family graveyard after a funeral service in Madanerchar village of Sadhurpara union on Thursday afternoon.

The administration said that Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Asma-ul-Husna were heading towards the spot with the necessary preparations along with the police to give the state status. On the way, some freedom fighters including Naushed Ali blocked their movement and demanded that the state status not be given. Later, the guard of honor was suspended to avoid an undesirable situation.

Naushed Ali claims that Delwar Hossain is not a real freedom fighter. His name has been included in the list of freedom fighters illegally. Naushed claimed that he objected to granting state status considering the respect of real freedom fighters.

However, Delwar Hossain’s family claims that he had been receiving government benefits as a state-recognized freedom fighter for a long time.

His son Shamim Mia said that due to the opposition of some freedom fighters, his father had to be buried without state honors.

The locals’ question is, if there is any legal or administrative objection to Delwar Hossain’s freedom fighter identity, it is a matter for verification and settlement by the relevant government authorities. The question has also been raised as to how reasonable it is to terminate the state status of a recognized freedom fighter after his death based on the objection of a political leader or a local person.

Bakshiganj Press Club President Abdul Latif Lion said that Delwar Hossain used to receive government benefits as a freedom fighter.

He said, “If he is not a true freedom fighter, how has he received these government benefits so far? It is very sad that the government is preventing him from being given state status where he is being honored and recognized as a freedom fighter.”

Meanwhile, there has also been a discussion at the local level about the role of Naushed Ali in obstructing the state’s dignity. He is also the Upazila Freedom Fighter Commander and the Upazila BNP’s Liberation War Affairs Secretary. As a result, questions have been raised about his personal objections, organizational position, and the responsibilities of a Freedom Fighter Commander.

However, there is no confirmed information available on whether he had any personal dispute or personal interest with Delwar Hossain.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) Asma ul Husna said that all preparations were made by the administration to grant state status. On the way, some freedom fighters including Naushed Ali raised strong objections. In the face of their obstacles, the granting of state status was immediately suspended to avoid an undesirable situation. The matter will be reported to the higher authorities and a further decision will be taken.

Delwar Hossain, a former teacher at Sadhurpara Nazrul Islam High School, died at a private hospital in Dhaka around 3 am on Wednesday. He had been suffering from various health problems for a long time.