<i>Now we can die in peace, they say</i>

19 November 2009, 17:00 PM

A Correspondent, Tungipara

Rajab Ali, 86, who arranged martyred Bangabandhu's last bath before his burial at Tungipara, recalls the sad memories.Photo: STAR

"When I saw the body of greatest ever Bangali, 17 bullets had pierced it," recalled octogenarian Rajab Ali Molla, who buried the body of Bangabandhu. Standing outside the mausoleum at Tungipara before Bangabandhu murder case verdict yesterday, he said in a chocked voice, "The index finger, which Bangabandhu used to give the nation guidance, was smashed." "Only severest punishment to the killers will satisfy me," he said. Bangabandhu was given last bath with a low quality 570 brand soap brought in a hurry from a nearby grocery shop while a white saree meant for relief brought from Red Crescent Hospital was used as his shroud, said Rajab, breaking down in tears recounting the incident 34 years ago. Army men called local carpenter Ayub Ali, 62, to open the nailed coffin of Bangabandhu after it was flown in from Dhaka. He said, "Now I am happy that the apex court has ordered hanging of the killers. But I cannot get peace of mind till the verdict is executed." Among others, Abdul Hye Member, 75, then working at Shahera Khatun Red Crescent Hospital at Tungipara, was called in to carry Bangabandhu's body for burial. He said, "After the independence of the country, I have experienced another good thing -- the verdict of Bangabandhu murder case. Now I can die in peace." "I want hanging of the killers in a short time," said Abdul Hye's wife, who was wed to him only a few days before Bangabandhu's killing.