Dhaka, 15 Aug, 2023 (GNP): An estimated 50,000 mourners gathered to attend the funeral of Delwar Hossain Sayedee, an influential religious leader in Bangladesh, whose recent passing in prison ignited widespread protests across the nation. Sayedee, 83, had been serving a prison sentence since 2013 for charges related to rape, murder, and the persecution of Hindu Bangladeshis during the country’s struggle for independence in 1971.
Sayedee’s death on Monday, following a heart attack in a prison near the capital city of Dhaka, led to violent demonstrations as protesters took to the streets to express their grief and frustration. Clashes erupted as police intervened to disperse the crowds, resulting in injuries and casualties.
The funeral prayer for Sayedee took place on Tuesday in his hometown in the coastal Pirojpur district. “Some 50,000 people joined the funeral prayer,” stated Sheikh Mustafizur Rahman, Deputy Police Chief for the district. Security measures were heightened during the ceremony to ensure a peaceful event.
Tragedy struck in other parts of the country as well, with a confrontation between police and a group attempting to hold a memorial ceremony for Sayedee. The situation escalated, leading to further injuries and the unfortunate loss of life.
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Sayedee, once the vice president of the banned opposition political party Jamaat-e-Islami, wielded significant influence despite the party’s controversial history. The group’s support for continued union with Pakistan during Bangladesh’s 1971 civil war has kept it in the public eye for decades.
The passing of Sayedee brings to an end a chapter that was marked by his rise to prominence in the 1980s as a preacher in some of Bangladesh’s most prominent mosques. His speeches garnered widespread attention, with recordings being widely circulated.
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Sayedee’s decade-old conviction by a war crimes tribunal triggered large-scale protests, raising concerns from human rights organizations due to perceived procedural irregularities. At least 100 individuals lost their lives during the violent demonstrations that followed the verdict.
As news of Sayedee’s demise emerged, supporters of his party poured onto the streets, denouncing the government and calling for his legacy not to be in vain. These events pose a challenge for the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, especially as the nation gears up for a scheduled general election in January.
Law enforcement reportedly utilized rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds during the early hours of the morning, seeking to restore calm amidst the unrest.