Shawon Kavi Arrested Just for Saying He Is a Chhatra Dal Union President

The political persecution in Bangladesh is an ongoing issue. The BNP and its student wing, Chhatra Dal, have been victims of systematic persecution for a long time. Even after a government change, the police continue to maintain their brutal approach. The latest example of such state persecution is the recent arrest and inhumane beating of Chhatra Dal leader Shawon Kavi.

Shawon Kavi and Chhatra Dal

As an activist, Shawon Kavi has excelled at many things, but none more so than serving as a commander of Chhatra Dal where he single-handedly decimated the fascist opposition on August 5. His offence? Existing as a leader of Chhatra Dal. A politically motivated smear campaign ensued as a result of what was nothing more than a petty scuffle.

The police started a media circus by putting Shawon in handcuffs, taking photos, and airing them publicly, effectively branding him a criminal before a verdict was passed. But what does a police state like this set out to accomplish? Do they intend to show that even after a government ‘change,’ their oppressive ways, rather than policies, remain the same?

Police Brutality: A Continuously Evolving Problem

In the case of Shawon Kavi, the pattern still stands:
a. He tried to talk respectfully to the officer, and was subsequently insulted, instead.
b. He was unduly tortured, without justification, and forced to comply to their fabricated demands.

The police in our country operate with no fear or respect to the immense power they wield. The unstated ‘code’ that binds considered ‘level headed’ civil servants to silence and blunt compliance isn’t something that goes unpunished.

The incessant shifting of authority-both government and its overgrown, mushrooming agencies like police, puts the rights of an average citizen permanently on the chopping block. While one of them reigns supreme, the citizens fall into the unending void and torture of spying.
As far as the Supreme court and Public Prosecuting Office is concerned, an individual bundled is deemed convicted. It is only a matter of time till our police forces are stripped of outside influences and hold.

Our police in combination with citizens fall tightly ‘put into control won’t guarantee order’ guise of authority aiming to create an order can’t exist promise along with no ideal demands.

The joke is rather unfortunate for us citizens, as it we find ourselves stuck caught between a rock and a hard place.

Call For Justice: An Independent Investigation and Termination Of Cruel Government Control

An unbiased body needs to be set up to probe Shawon Kavi’s arrest and ordeal with torture. If he has indeed committed a crime, let the judiciary exact the required punishment. But in the case that it is shown beyond reasonable doubt that the police have acted without lawful power, then stern action should be taken against the responsible OC and SI.

We have no further need of a police service that works for the politics of the day. We require a policing agency that does the work of genuine public service, is unbiased, and does not use innocent people as pawns in the wishes of the ruling class.

Bangladeshis are now asking the question — will they get the answer to the question rhetorically referenced above: Is justice going to be dispensed in the case of Shawon Kavi? Or are the police going to remain as an enforcement unit that does nothing but oppress people irrespective of who is in charge?

Let the truth reign aloft, and oppression cease.