Fence of freedom fighters’ gravesite set on fire in Rajbari

Miscreants set a part of the boundary fence of a gravesite, demarcated for freedom fighters, at the Tarapur graveyard in Rajbari's Pangsha upazila on fire early today.

Shahidul Islam, muazzin of Tarapur Jame Mosque and caretaker of the graveyard, said he noticed the fire while going to the mosque for Fajr prayers. "After I made announcements using the mosque's loudspeaker, locals and students from the nearby madrasa doused the flames," he said.

"This was clearly an act of arson. There is no electricity connection here, nor is it close to a road where an accidental fire could occur. It was a deliberate act," he added.

Bahadurpur Union Parishad Chairman and president of the graveyard management committee, Md Sajib Hossain, said the Tarapur graveyard was established in 1946 on more than three acres of land. Following a request from freedom fighters, around four decimals of the land were designated for their graves in 2022.

"So far, five freedom fighters have been buried in the reserved section. Setting fire to this place is a disgraceful act," he said. About 100 ft of fencing around the reserved section was burnt.

Md Shamsher Ali, joint convener of the Bahadurpur Union Freedom Fighters' Council, said, "This is the work of anti-Liberation War elements. We demand a proper investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible."

Inspector (Investigation) Abdul Gani of Pangsha Model Police Station said that they have visited the site.

"Primary assessment suggests that the boundary fence of the designated burial area was set on fire deliberately. The graveyard management committee president lodged a general diary in the afternoon," he said.

Pangsha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Rifatul Haque told The Daily Star that he visited the site immediately after being informed.

"It appears that some type of fuel, likely petrol, was used to ignite the fire. The burnt fencing will be repaired promptly, and those involved will be identified and brought to justice," he added.