Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, senior
assistant secretary general of opposition political party Jamaat-e-Islami, was
executed by hanging at Dhaka Central Jail. The execution took place at 10.30 pm
local time on April 11 2015.
Kamaruzzaman, who was still a
teenager in 1971, was sentenced to death on charges of war crimes committed during
the 1971 War of Independence. He denied all charges. His family and lawyers
stated that during and since the war, Kamaruzzaman was not and never implicated
in any crimes whether in legal cases or in the annals of history books. They
stated that the allegations levied against him were created for vile political
expediency and politically motivated.
Kamaruzzaman’s family visited him
for the last time at the jail earlier that day. Following the visit, his eldest
son, Hasan Iqbal, spoke to the press. Asked whether Kamaruzzaman would seek
presidential clemency, Hasan Iqbal said, ‘The
president has no power to take anyone’s life or give it to anyone. It is up to
the Almighty. There is no question of seeking clemency from these disbelievers
and liars.’ He further stated that two magistrates and the Home Minister
were liars, contending that they held no such talks with Kamaruzzaman in jail
and only staged a drama over the matter of presidential clemency just to gain
morbid political mileage.
International bodies condemned
Kamaruzzaman’s trial for its judicial flaws and sheer unfairness. In the run up
to the execution, several international bodies and respected figures called for
a halt to the proceedings, particularly as the death penalty is an irreversible
act. These included Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the United
Nations, the European Union, Lord Carlisle and Lord Avebury of the British
House of Lords, Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales, Commonwealth
Lawyers Association and the US government.
Following the execution, police
senior superintendent, Forman Ali, from Dhaka Central Jail issued a statement
confirming the execution of Mohammad Kamaruzzaman and his intended burial in
Sherpur. Mr Ali stated police are accompanying the body to ensure security.
Kamaruzzaman’s body was taken by
ambulance with police guard from Dhaka Central Jail just before midnight, for
burial at his Sherpur home village. His burial is took place in the courtyard
of an orphanage in Mudipara, at Bajitkhali Union of Sherpur Sadar sub-district,
an orphanage which Kamaruzzaman established there.
The execution marks the second “political
killing” conducted under the highly discredited and so called International
Crimes Tribunal. On December 12, 2013 Abdul Quader Mollah, another leader of
Jamaat-e-Islami, was executed. Numerous international bodies called for
Mollah’s execution to be halted. His party called the execution a “political murder”.
Earlier, authorities handed over
the body of Kamaruzzaman to his family at 4:30 am local time. His elder brother
Kafil Uddin accepted his body on behalf of the family.
His funeral prayers were led by
Maulana Abdul Hamid, his nephew-in-law. The funeral was attended by family
members and a large number of people from all walks of life, despite claims
that government authorities and the police administration had tried to restrict
people from attending the funeral through intimidation and random unwarranted
checks.
Kamaruzzaman had refused to seek
presidential mercy.
Kamaruzzaman walked steadily
towards the gallows reciting the Holy Quran. Kamaruzzaman was calm, composed
and fearless at the gallows. No fear showed within him as he walked towards the
gallows. He was not fretful. Prison sources informed as such.
Sources informed that he had offered
the Isha prayer after taking a shower and then he performed the nafal prayer. He was reciting Quran
sitting at the prayer mat (jainamaz)
until the moment he was taken to the gallows.
Meanwhile the preparation of the gallows
took place close to his cell. Officials connected to the execution by hanging
took their seats beside the gallows. Around 9:15 physicians checked Kamaruzzaman’s
health at the cell. At 9:35 a twelve member prison commando team took their
place in Kamaruzzaman’s cell. Then came the part of administering tawba
(repentance from sin). Kamaruzzaman said “I
will say my tawba by myself.” The prison superintendent insisted according
to the rules that Imam administers the tawba.
After reciting the tawba Kamaruzzaman
was escorted to the gallows at 10:20 at night. Kamaruzzaman then spoke, “ I am innocent. I am being hanged unjustly.”
He then started reciting supplications and verses from the Quran. And all the
while reciting the supplications he proceeded towards the gallows at a normal
pace.
At the gallows the prison superintendent
dropped the handkerchief from his hand as a signal to the hangman. Thereafter the
hanging was executed.
Kamaruzzaman was shaheed and met
his Lord by dying and being killed for his leadership of the Islamic movement,
his principles, his determination and his steadfastness to the path and the way
of Allah.
And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah: "They are
dead." No, they are living, though you perceive (it) not.
Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss
in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those
who patiently persevere,
Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to
Him is our return":-
They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and
they are the ones that receive guidance.
(surah al baqarah 154-157)
(Adapted and edited from an email
via Dr Ahmad Totonji)
End Notes
The Jamaat e Islami of Bangladesh
Jamaat e Islami encompasses a national,
conventional, religious, political, social and cultural movement. Jamaat e
Islami enjoins and empowers people of Bangladesh in the way of the prophet
(SAW) by dedicated invitation and good organization. As a genuine political
party, it is committed to democracy and political accommodation while adhering
to its principles.
The Four points program of Jamaat:
A comprehensive plan for
knowledge and understanding of Islamic studies through Dawat: enlightening
people by upholding the correct knowledge of Quran and Sunnah through
convincing argument and also awakening their courage and attitude to follow
Islam and practice it.
A strong association organized for
character building. Through working,
organizing and training: Jamaat develops and empowers people to establish an Islamic
society.
A sensible and realistic program
for public welfare and social reform. Through
works on social reform and service to the community: Jamaat appeals and endows
the society based on Islamic values.
A legitimate and democratic political
movement for the establishment of public welfare people oriented ideal state
and good governance. By working on government
reform: Jamaat is striving democratically and transparently to promote
God-fearing, honest and efficient leadership in all spheres of the ruling
system to bring about integrity and dignity in governance.
Jamaat works for peace and
rejects violence.
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