Pashari’s burial, FF status controversy to be probed

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has formed a three member high-level probe committee to examine the death, burial of Manik Pashari in Pirojpur and verify questions raised in media reports about the authenticity of his Freedom Fighter certificate.

The decision came on Tuesday following reports published in various media outlets concerning Pashari’s death, the circumstances surrounding his burial and disputes over his status as a freedom fighter.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the ministry said it had taken the reports seriously and formed the committee on the instructions of Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, MP, to establish the facts and verify the issues raised.

When contacted over phone, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan told this correspondent that the government wants to resolve all the controversies regarding the death of Manik Pashari, the situation created after his death and the certificate of free fighter he availed after the Liberation War.

“The body will also investigate whether Manik Pashari was a real freedom fighter or not, how he can file a case against Delowar Hossain Sayeedi, who was only 7 years during the liberation war, claiming him as a collaborator. After getting the findings, necessary measures would be taken,” he added.

Pashari, 87, died on October 24 at his daughter’s in-laws’ residence in Tungipara, Gopalganj, where he had been staying after leaving Pirojpur following the political upheaval of August 2024. He was a complainant and a key prosecution witness in the crimes against humanity case against former Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee.

His burial in Chitolia village of Pirojpur Sadar upazila was delayed amid tensions over his freedom fighter status and the provision of a state guard of honour. Reports said local people had objected to the burial, with his family alleging that a freshly dug grave had been filled with soil. He was eventually buried early on October 25 under police protection.

Local Jamaat leaders denied obstructing the burial, while questions surrounding Pashari’s freedom fighter credentials became a central point of contention.

The ministry’s investigation is expected to establish the facts surrounding the death and burial and examine the disputed documentation before the authorities decide whether further administrative or legal action is necessary.

In the press release, the ministry reiterated its commitment to preserving the dignity and ideals of the Liberation War, saying it was working to remove the names of individuals who were not genuine freedom fighters from official lists while ensuring that genuine freedom fighters were not deprived of their due honour and recognition.

It also said that FFs involved in unethical activities or used by any organisation or group for its own purposes would have to bear responsibility for their actions.

Describing freedom fighters as the founders of the state, the ministry said it remained committed to building a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh guided by the ideals of the Liberation War. It also warned against attempts by individuals or groups to misuse the names of the country's founders through fraudulent activities that could create problems for the state.

Meanwhile our Pirojpur Correspondent adds: A section of freedom fighters in Pirojpur on Thursday protested the obstruction of the funeral and burial of freedom fighter Manik Pashari, demanding a fair investigation and punishment for those responsible.

They also alleged that a group of identified miscreants snatched and threw away a floral wreath brought by the district Freedom Fighters’ command to pay last respects to Pashari.

The protest rally and human chain were held in front of the Pirojpur District Freedom Fighters’ Complex on Shaheed Omar Faruk Road around 11am, organised by the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad, Pirojpur Sadar Upazila Command.

While speaking at the programme, district command convener Ahmed Shahidul Haque alleged that when he went to the Sadar Upazila Parishad premises with a wreath on the day Pashari’s body was brought to Pirojpur, a group of people took it away and created a situation that forced them to leave. The matter was later reported to the administration, following which the body was taken inside the police lines.