Pahela Baishakh a reminder of tragedy for them
Nur Jahan was crying beside the grave of her son Al-Mamun, who was killed in the bomb attack on Pahela Baishakh celebrations at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka in 2001.
“Why have you come here? Ahead of the day [Pahela Baishakh] many journalists from different areas come here to know how we are, only to add to our sorrows. I buried here (showing Mamun's grave) all my hopes seven years back. Can you tell me why my son was killed?” she said after I introduced myself to her.
“We would be happy if the culprits get exemplary punishment by the court. We want to know the names of the masterminds behind the cowardly act," Kashem Gazi, father of Al-Mamun added at their Kachipara home under Baufal upazila, about 60 kilometres to the north-east of Patuakhali town.
Mamun, 23, his cousins Reazul, 22, and Shilpi, 20, -- all college students -- went to Dhaka to visit their relative's house. They went to Ramna Batamul to see celebration of Pahela Baishakh.
The three cousins were among the 10 people killed in the bomb attack that also injured over 100 others in 2001.
"I rushed to the spot hearing the news shortly after the blasts. Shrapnel smashed their legs. Several splinters pierced through their ribs, some might have hit the brain,” said Parvin, sister-in-law (brother's wife) of Shilpi who had gone to the Parvin's house in Dhaka.
Shilpi's mother Suja Begum died on February 12 in 2007 without seeing the culprits get due punishment.
“I forbade him to join any procession or meeting of any party, but he didn't listen to me,” said Samsul Haq Gazi, father of another victim Reazul.
“I learnt that an accused of the bomb attack case is now working as an SI (sub-inspector) in Patuakhali. I cannot understand how he has been awarded instead of getting punishment,” he added.
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