Various political and student groups commemorated the 13th anniversary of the tragic events at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka’s Motijheel that occurred on May 5, 2013. These commemorations included discussions, exhibitions, and human chain demonstrations.
Opposition leader in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman called for the establishment of an impartial and credible inquiry commission to investigate the Shapla Chattar killings during a Hefazat-e-Islam rally. He emphasized the importance of revealing the truth, punishing the perpetrators, and described the incident as a dark chapter in Bangladesh’s history that violated fundamental principles of humanity, justice, and democracy.
Rahman expressed disappointment over the lack of a fair trial even after a significant period, stressing the need for justice and accountability to prevent similar atrocities. He highlighted the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression in a democratic society, condemning the use of force to suppress these rights.
Hefazat-e-Islam’s Baridhara zone unit conducted a memorial and prayer session to honor the victims of the May 5 tragedy, led by Hefazat central Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdul Hamid Madhupuri. Speakers at the event demanded a thorough and unbiased investigation to bring the culprits to justice.
Mufti Amjad Hossain Helali, president of Hefazat-e-Islam Baridhara zone, chaired the memorial program, reflecting on the sorrowful events of May 5, 2013. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP) will host a discussion titled “From Shapla Mass Killings to July,” and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish will organize an exhibition at the National Museum. Additionally, Islami Chhatra Shibir will conduct a human chain demonstration at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka’s Motijheel later in the day.
