Sister of Manik Pashari Forced to Leave Her Home After Speaking Out Against Those Who Obstructed His Burial

Pirojpur Correspondent

Hena Begum, the sister of freedom fighter Manik Pashari, had spoken out by naming Jamaat-Shibir leaders and activists over the incident of obstructing the burial of his body. After that, she was accused of being threatened. Relatives claim that Hena left the area last Wednesday in the face of threats. Earlier, her close relatives also left the area.

Manik Pashari’s house is in Chitlia village of Sankarpasha union in Pirojpur Sadar upazila. His sister Hena Begum lived in a hut next to the house. Relatives allege that he faced threats after speaking to various media outlets about obstructing his brother’s burial. He was eventually forced to leave his home due to insecurity.

Manik Pashari testified before the International Crimes Tribunal against Jamaat-e-Islami leader Razakar Delwar Hossain Sayedee in the 1971 crimes against humanity case. He had been living at his son-in-law’s house in Tungipara, Gopalganj, since August 5, 2024. He died there on the morning of October 24 after being ill for two months.

Tensions arose that day over the guard of honor given to Manik Pashari in Pirojpur. Followers of Razakar Sayeedi demanded that his body not be buried there. At that time, Jamaat leaders and activists were seen taking positions and gathering at various important places in Pirojpur city. Later, in the dead of night, relatives buried Manik Pashari in the family graveyard amidst fear and panic. Police were on guard at that time.

Hena Begum said on her mobile phone, “I am afraid to stay in the hut at night. I am receiving various threats for speaking out against those who obstructed my brother’s burial in various media. I will seek security from the administration. That is why I am leaving the area and coming away. I seek security from the administration.”

Manik Pashari’s other brother, Panna Pashari, lives in Batiaghata, Khulna. He alleged that when he went to the old bus stand in Pirojpur on the afternoon of October 24 after receiving the news of his brother’s death, he was threatened and sent back.

Panna Pashari said that they had to return to Pirojpur due to threats after going to attend their brother’s funeral and burial.

Chitlia village borders Indurkani Upazila of Pirojpur.

In this regard, Amir Ali Hossain of Jamaat-e-Islami of the upazila said, ‘No one from our party has threatened or harassed any of Manik’s relatives. Such allegations are not true.’

However, after saying that the video contained evidence of violence by Jamaat-Shibir leaders and activists, Ali Hossain avoided the topic.

Shariful Islam, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Pirojpur Sadar Police Station, claims that no untoward incident has taken place in the area after the burial of Manik Pashari’s body. Even so, they are keeping an eye on it. The village police are keeping an eye on it. The situation in the area is calm.