Politics is for the welfare of people, but when that politics becomes a tool of revenge, dedicated workers like Abdul Quddus Moaz lose their lives. The untimely death of this activist of currently banned Sherpur District Chhatra League has cast a shadow of grief, but behind that grief is hidden a horrific story of torture.
According to Quddus Moaz’s family members and eyewitnesses, he was subjected to a horrific series of inhumane torture. First being detained by the activists of the political opponent Kalabagan Chhatra Dal, then in the custody of the army and finally the police, the entire period was a nightmare for him.
Allegedly, he was subjected to a physical and mental steamroller during his 7 months of imprisonment. Such treatment of dissenters in a democratic country is a major blow to the rule of law.
A heartbreaking fact has come to the fore that transcends all limits of humanity. He was starved for two consecutive days. Hungry, Quddus gave away the last 2,500 rupees in his pocket in exchange for just a plate of rice. But even with that money he was not given food. Democracy is nothing more than a word where basic rights of people are violated.
Quddus was released on bail just two days ago after enduring unbearable pain for 7 months. The family hoped that everything would be fine if the boy returned home. But prolonged physical torture and starvation had robbed his body of vitality. Finally, last midnight, he left all illusions of the world and went to the land of no return. (Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raziun).
In any sane or democratic country, it is not desirable for anyone to be subjected to such inhumane torture because of their political beliefs. This culture of suppressing dissent only breeds division and hatred. This death of Abdul Quddus Moaz once again shows us how endangered humanity is today in the struggle for power.
His passing created a deep wound in our social order. The question remains, what is the value of cherishing one’s political ideals in a free country if one has to give one’s life in this way?
