Photo : Messenger
Efforts at the government level to honor the 14 martyrs buried in Babur Pond in Bogura and provide for their families have thus far been fruitless. Despite a letter signed by Bangabandhu in 1972 acknowledging their heroic sacrifice and granting 2 thousand taka to each martyr. During the tenure of Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, demands have been made for the recognition and allowance provision for the families of the 13 martyrs.
On the outskirts of Babur Pond near the Bogura-Natore highway in Shajahanpur upazila, approximately 11 km from Bogura city, an intriguing scene unfolds. While the main gate of the burial ground remains closed, the smaller entrance remains open, allowing free passage for cows, goats, and dogs. The once barren land, now sees the Baddhabhumi wall used for hanging local residents' laundry. Adjacent to the wall lies a large pond, with a ladder descending from the burial ground to its banks. A modest fisherman's hut stands nearby, accompanied by three newly built houses and a cold storage facility.
The area appears secluded, shrouded in perpetual silence. At night, only the faint glow of the fisherman's hut illuminates the surroundings, leaving the rest of the area in darkness. Signs of neglect are evident, with portions of the Baddhabhumi wall and the concrete floor of the graves broken and in disrepair. Despite my visit on February 12, there were no caretakers present to tend to the closed-off land.
A list hung by the Bogura District Council displays the names of the deceased, with 13 individuals identified, including NAP worker Wazedur Rahman Tuku, former president of the Bogura district branch of the student union Mahfuzur Rahman alias Mannan, his younger brother and student union leader Abdul Hannan, Chhatra League leader Mofazzal Hossain Abul, Saiful Islam, Abdus Sabur, Fazlur Rahman, Altaf Hossain, Badsha Sheikh, Shaheed Nur Jahan Lakshi, Bachchu Sheikh, Abdul Quddus Montu, his brother Jalal Uddin, and an unidentified individual.
Fifteen years ago, Shamsul Haque erected a house adjacent to the burial ground. At that time, he used to receive 3000 taka monthly for the upkeep of the closed-off land. However, this arrangement has since ceased, and the responsibility has been transferred to a village police. Previously, Shamsul Haque personally ensured the cleanliness of the area, but now, lacking the responsibility, he no longer tends to it. Instead, the village police now takes care of clearing the land before events.
Hasna Banu, a resident who erected a house near the Baddhabhumi five years ago, recalled that on the anniversary of the victims' deaths, their relatives would visit the graves. However, beyond occasional government-organised programs, the area remains largely unattended. Despite the assignment of village police to the task, consistent care and maintenance of the site seem to be lacking.
Sajedur Rahman Shaheen, the chairman of the local Kharna Union Parishad, mentioned that there hasn't been any official appointment of caretakers at the government level. He personally manages the upkeep of the area using funds from the council. Occasionally, he collaborates with the watchman to ensure maintenance.
Bogura Zilla Parishad Panel Chairman Syed Sargil Ahmed Tipu mentioned that, considering the historical significance and tradition associated with Babur Pond, the Zilla Parishad had initially erected a memorial at the site. However, currently, the Chairman of the local Kharna Union is overseeing its maintenance. Nonetheless, concerted efforts will be made to promptly restore the damaged monument.
Ruhul Amin Bablu, former president of the Bogura District Freedom Fighters Command, emphasised that while many are familiar with the history and tradition of the martyrs of Babur Pond in Dharna Union of Shahajanpur Upazila of Bogura District, they have not been accorded the dignity they deserve. Despite the incident at Babur Pond being widely discussed and an official monument being constructed with ceremonies held in its honor, the martyrs themselves have not received the recognition they are due.
Messenger/Disha
