An Insult to the Liberation War: Condemning the Cruel Obstruction and Desecration of Freedom Fighter Manik Pashari’s Burial

Spectrum Rights Observatory (SRO) unequivocally condemns the disgraceful harassment and delays surrounding the last rites of Bangladeshi freedom fighter (Bir Muktijoddha) Manik Pashari, an 87-year-old veteran of the 1971 Liberation War who fought under Sector 9 in the greater Barishal region. As a key witness in the crimes against humanity trial against former Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee, his contribution to both national freedom and judicial integrity makes the denial of a peaceful and dignified burial an intolerable affront to basic human rights.

According to reports ^[1][2] published by leading media outlets, Pashari’s body arrived at the Pirojpur Sadar Upazila Parishad premises at noon on 24 October 2026, where his family faced fierce opposition and intimidation from local Jamaat-e-Islami activists while attempting to organize his last rites. Later that evening, a grave prepared for him at his ancestral home in Chithalia village was reportedly filled in by an opposing mob amid hostile chanting. Following a harrowing delay of nearly 15 hours, his burial could only be completed around 2:00 AM on 25 October under tight police protection. These circumstances raise grave concerns regarding the violation of the dignity of the deceased, the security of his grieving family, and the ability of citizens to exercise their basic rights free from intimidation.

The 1971 Liberation War remains a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s national identity, and the sacrifices of the freedom fighters are regarded with profound honor by the people. Subjecting a veteran’s family to hostile obstruction during his last rites dishonors both human rights and collective national memory. Such blatant intimidation cannot be allowed to pass without legal consequence. SRO calls on the government of Bangladesh to immediately investigate the incident and hold all perpetrators accountable, sending an unequivocal signal that no group can weaponize funeral proceedings or terrorize citizens with impunity.

SRO extends its heartfelt condolences to Manik Pashari’s grieving family and calls for an immediate, impartial criminal investigation into the incident, full legal accountability for all those responsible for obstructing the burial and desecrating the grave, and robust state protection to guarantee the family’s ongoing safety and dignity.

Issued by Spectrum Rights Observatory