Dhaka, August 15, 2023 — The demise of Delwar Hossain Sayedee, a prominent leader of the opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the nation. Sayedee, who was 83 years old, passed away in a prison hospital on Monday evening, reigniting tensions that have lingered for over a decade since his conviction by a war crimes court.
Sayedee’s death has led to a surge of protesters taking to the streets, chanting anti-government slogans and accusing the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of contributing to the circumstances that led to his demise. Supporters gathered outside the hospital premises where he died, raising their voices with chants of “Allahu akbar.” Law enforcement agencies have deployed significant personnel to manage the crowds and maintain order.
The deceased leader’s health had been a concern for some time, as he had suffered from a heart attack while incarcerated in Kashimpur Prison. Hospital director Brigadier General Rezaur Rahman confirmed that Sayedee had experienced another heart attack and subsequently passed away. Sayedee had received medical treatment including the insertion of five stents into his arteries.
Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s conviction in 2013 by a war-crimes tribunal for charges including murder, rape, and persecution of Hindus had triggered violent protests by thousands of his supporters across the country, resulting in over 100 deaths. The subsequent crackdown led to tens of thousands of arrests among the party’s supporters.
Jamaat-e-Islami, which had been banned for its support of Pakistan during the 1971 liberation war, eventually emerged as the country’s third-largest party and the largest religious outfit by the 1990s. Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s influence played a pivotal role in transforming the party into a major political force through his preaching and outreach efforts.
The timing of Sayedee’s death adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as it coincides with the approach of the general elections scheduled for January. With emotions running high, there are concerns about the potential impact of these events on the political landscape of Bangladesh.
As the nation mourns the loss of Delwar Hossain Sayedee, tensions continue to rise, and the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of the protesters and ensure that the situation does not escalate further.
