Today, November 3 (Sunday) is Jail Murder Day. After the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on November 3, 1975, the world’s safest place inside the prison was organized without trial and brutally.
On 15th August 1975 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members were murdered on 3rd November, this barbaric murder in the history of Central Jail was organized. Four national leaders, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain Munsur Ali and AHM Kamaruzzaman, who were close political associates of Bangabandhu, were victims of this murder. In Bangabandhu’s absence, they led the great liberation war and liberated Bangladesh. That day they were brutally killed inside the prison by being shot and stabbed with bayonets.
During the great liberation war of 1971, four such leaders performed historic duties from important positions in the Mujibnagar government. The government was formed and sworn in at Meherpur in Kushtia district. Syed Nazrul Islam was the provisional president of the Bangladesh government formed during the liberation war. The Prime Minister of that government was Tajuddin Ahmed, Finance Minister Captain Munsur Ali, Food and Relief Minister AHM Kamaruzzaman. Under the leadership of this government, victory was achieved on 16 December by conducting the liberation war for 9 months. These four leaders played an important role not only in the liberation war but also in all the movements and struggles for freedom.
Meanwhile, Tanzim Ahmad Sohail Taj, son of independent Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad and former State Minister of Home Affairs, has announced a three-point program including observance of Jail Murder Day as a national day of mourning.
He is the chief adviser of the interim government on November 3. Said to give the memorandum to Muhammad Yunus. Sohail announced the program through a post on his Facebook page on Friday. rn
He wrote in a Facebook post, November 3 is the day of the scandalous prison killings. 49 years have passed, but till now the four heroes of the nation, under whose leadership the Great War of Liberation was successfully conducted, under whose leadership we got an independent sovereign state called Bangladesh, have not been recognized by the state till date. This cannot be accepted.
He then presented his three demands. They are:
1. Since the first government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was formed through the Declaration of Independence on April 10, 1971, Bangladesh was born as an independent sovereign state (republic). So this day should be declared as ‘Republic Day’.
2. Jail killings day on November 3 should be declared as a national day of mourning and observed nationally.
3. The names, contributions and biographies of all the civil and military organizers, directors, immortal martyrs and brave freedom fighters including the four national leaders, the correct and complete history of the liberation war must be included in the textbooks and syllabus of all levels with due dignity and importance.
Sohail Taj wrote in the post, ‘I think these three demands of mine are fair and logical and it is the demand for the lives of all the supporters of freedom and liberation war. My next program for that purpose, I will take a position in front of Hotel Intercontinental on November 3 at 3:30 pm and then march and give a memorandum to the Chief Adviser.’
He also wrote, ‘From in front of Hotel Intercontinental, I will start the journey by walking towards the Rashtriya Guest House Yamuna at 4 pm. I urge everyone who believes in the spirit of freedom-liberation-war-anti-discrimination to participate in this gathering.’
Interview: Reflecting on Jail Murder Day
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today to discuss one of the most somber anniversaries in Bangladesh’s history—Jail Murder Day. To begin with, could you provide a brief overview of what this day signifies?
Expert: Thank you for having me. Jail Murder Day, observed on November 3, marks the tragic assassination of four national leaders—Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain Munsur Ali, and AHM Kamaruzzaman—in 1975. Their murders occurred inside the Central Jail without any trial, making it a dark chapter in our country’s history. These leaders played pivotal roles in the liberation of Bangladesh and their loss significantly impacted the nation.
Editor: Indeed, it’s a painful chapter. These leaders were instrumental during the 1971 Liberation War. Can you elaborate on their contributions during that period?
Expert: Absolutely. During the liberation struggle, they were part of the Mujibnagar government, with Syed Nazrul Islam serving as the provisional president and Tajuddin Ahmed as the prime minister. Captain Munsur Ali handled the finances, while AHM Kamaruzzaman managed food and relief. Their leadership was crucial in organizing the resistance against oppression and ultimately achieving victory on December 16, 1971. The day these leaders were murdered, Bangladesh lost not only its political stalwarts but also the architects of its independence.
Editor: It’s chilling to think about how their legacy was cut short so brutally. You mentioned the circumstances of their deaths. Could you share more about how those events unfolded on November 3, 1975?
Expert: On that fateful day, the prison became a site of horror. These four leaders were shot and stabbed, an act orchestrated by those in power at the time. It was an organized massacre, reflecting how deep political animosity and betrayal had infiltrated the newly independent state. The manner of their murders showcased a complete disregard for justice and the rule of law—a stark contrast to the values they fought for during the liberation movement.
Editor: It seems like a profound betrayal of the very principles on which Bangladesh was established. In light of these events, there have been calls to commemorate this day as a national day of mourning. What do you think this would mean for the nation?
Expert: Commemorating Jail Murder Day as a national day of mourning is essential. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom and honors the memory of our fallen leaders. Such recognition not only keeps their legacy alive but also helps prevent history from repeating itself. By grappling with our past, we can strive to create a more just and equitable society for future generations.
Editor: Tanzim Ahmad Sohail Taj, the son of Tajuddin Ahmad, has recently emphasized this need for recognition, suggesting a three-point program surrounding the observance of Jail Murder Day. What are your thoughts on his initiatives?
Expert: Sohail Taj’s efforts are commendable. His proposals, including recognizing this day as a national day of mourning, highlight the continuing relevance of these historical events in our national narrative. It’s crucial for both the government and the populace to understand the sacrifices made by our leaders and to ensure that their stories aren’t forgotten as we move forward. His leadership can inspire a renewed sense of respect and remembrance among the youth.
Editor: As we approach the anniversary, what message would you like to convey to the younger generations of Bangladesh?
Expert: I would tell them that history is not merely a collection of dates and events; it is the story of our identity and values. The sacrifices of leaders like Tajuddin Ahmad and his companions were made so that we could live in a free country. It is their courage and vision that laid the groundwork for our nation, and it is our responsibility to keep their memory alive, honor their contributions, and continue the fight for justice and democracy. We must learn from our past to forge a brighter future.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights and reflecting on this critical moment in history. It’s imperative that we remember and honor those who have shaped the course of our nation.
Expert: Thank you for highlighting this important topic. It’s through conversations like these that we can foster a deeper understanding of our history and ensure it informs our present and future.