Md. Shahabuddin is a veteran freedom fighter, a life-long follower of Bangabandhu’s ideals who suffered three-year jail term for protesting Bangabandhu’s killing. He is a former commissioner of ACC and currently the Vice Chairman of Islami bank and Advisor to NRB Global Bank. He was also the former District and Sessions Judge.
In an interview with Md Shahabuddin, he shared some of his thoughts on various issues of importance, especially on Bangabandhu. The excerpts of the interview are produced below.
Bangladesh Post (BP): Would you please share some of your memories when you had first met Bangabandhu.
Md Shahabuddin: It was April 8, 1966. I had just passed SSC. Bangabandhu came to the residence of Abdur Rab Boga Mia, general secretary of Pabna district Awami League. The purpose was to attend a public meeting regarding campaigning on “six points” demand. As far as I had seen and known, Bangabandhu believed that the six points were the ladder of freedom. He used to say, “I have no doubt that the six points demand represents the seven and a half crore deprived and persecuted people of East Pakistan.”
I got the chance to see Bangabandhu for the first time. Boga Chacha (Uncle) introduced me to Bangabandhu, Captain M Mansur Ali, MH Kamruzzaman and other leaders of Awami League. Bangabandhu directed all of us to come to ‘Town Hall’ ground of Pabna to attend the campaign. I went to ‘Town Hall’ ground and heard the speech of the poet of politics. I was enthralled by his speech and became a slogan boy from a listener. It was my start as an active member of Bangabandhu’s Chhatra League from that day.
In a few minutes of his speech, Sheikh Mujib gave political inspiration; which encouraged me and gave me the fuel to serve as the GS of the Edward College Chhatra League, the vice-president of undivided Pabna District Chhatra League and the President of the District Chhatra League.
BP: Would you please share your memory with Bangabandhu after the independence of 1971?
Md Shahabuddin: After independence, I got the opportunity to meet with Bangabandhu several times. One of which still inspires me today. It was February, 1972. Bangabandhu came to inaugurate 'Mujib Dam' in Pabna built to save the flood-hit people. I was the Pabna district president of Chhatra League at that time. As usual, a public meeting was organised. I delivered the welcome speech. Hearing my speech, Father of the Nation praised me, touched my hair and embraced me.
The ceremony ended with the award of 'Guard of Honor' to Bangabandhu. Bangabandhu was going to get in the helicopter, he asked me at that moment - whether I would go to Dhaka or not? I agreed with excitement. It was my first helicopter tour and was also with President Bangabandhu! After reaching Tejgaon Airport (Now Old Airport) Bangabandhu called on Captain Mansur Ali after completing the formalities. He asked him to take me to his house.
In 1973, Bangabandhu came to Pabna for the second time as part of organizational activities. A public meeting was held at the stadium. I also had the opportunity to speak as the President of the District Chhatra League. After the speech, Bangabandhu praised me as before. In the same year when I got married I came to meet Bangabandhu along with my wife. Bangabandhu gave me a Tk. 500 note and said, ‘Take your wife to New Market and buy her some jewelry. (It is mentionable that the price of per bhori gold was only Tk. 200 at that time).
BP: When did you meet Bangabandhu last? What is your last memory with him?
Md Shahabuddin: Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL) was formed on June 5, 1975. The aim was to ensure food, clothing, education, housing and medical facilities for the people irrespective of any party. It is said that its purpose was socio-economic liberation. For this purpose, the central committee of Baksal and the district committees were formed. Bangabandhu made me a member of BAKSAL as a joint-secretary of Pabna district committee. Former Health Minister Mohammad Nasim was the general secretary here.
Later, I heard from Captain M Mansur Ali that Bangabandhu wrote my name in the committee by his own hand. After the formation of committee of Baksal, I along with district president and four other join-secretaries of BAKSAL went to meet Bangabandhu. Bangabandhu was wearing his usual dress, half shirt and lungi. I am grateful to him for giving me a place in the Baksal Committee. He gave us different directions.
When we were about to go, Bangabandhu called us, saying, "No one goes without taking a picture with me; why are you going?” Immediately after that he called the cameraman and he took our photo with the Father of the Nation. I should have kept that picture. This is the last memory I have with Bangabandhu.
BP: 15 August was a Black Day for Bengali Nation. How did you come to know about the barbaric killing of Bangabandhu first and what was your reaction at that time?
Md Shahabuddin: At that time it was not digital era. The only way of communication was land phone. On August 15, 1975, at 5.45 am, Nasim the son of Captain Monsur Ali, called several times on my telephone no 6053. After receiving the call, I was not prepared for what I heard. He told me about the barbaric event that had happened in Dhaka where Bangabandhu was killed with his whole family. He also mentioned that Khondaker Mostaq was involved in this.
At that time I also heard Captain Monsur Ali shouting “bastard, murderer Mostaq. This Mostaq had started the conspiracy from the Mujibnagar government days and this is the final result of his conspiracy. This will not go unpunished.” I heard the voice of Captain Monsur Ali over telephone.
Hearing this news, at 8:00 am, about 200 to 300 people gathered outside on the roads and started protesting going towards the police line. We wanted to start a war again by snatching weapons like we did in 1971. I also called Rakkhi Bahini camp from land phone. Rakkhi Bahini leader Alamgir received my call and told me that they have been given directives from Dhaka to be ready in battle dress. Alamgir said they had 45 LMG rifles. So, we thought to move forward.
Meanwhile, the then Pabna district SP PB Mitra heard the news that we were moving towards the police line. He told me that they have heard the news also but requested us not to move forward as the situation was not good. Three days after the assassination of Bangabandhu, I was arrested. They kept me in a torture cell for six days. Later, I was sent to jail. I spent more than three years in jail. I was released from the prison on September 20, 1978.
BP: You were a former commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). What is your most memorable achievement as a commissioner of ACC?
Md Shahabuddin: I performed the responsibility as a commissioner of ACC for five years. Apart from taking the responsibility as a commissioner, I did my duty as a chairman several times. About the most memorable incident, I want to mention the allegation of bribery regarding the Padma Bridge tender.
At that time the overall project cost for the construction of Padma Bridge was 22,000 crore taka. World Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency and other foreign agencies wanted to give the money. But, they denied to give the money for allegation of corruption regarding tender. However, after meticulously investigating, we found that it was totally a conspiracy against the government.
BP: The incumbent government announced zero-tolerance policy against bribe and corruption at all sector. How would you evaluate this?
Md Shahabuddin: Zero tolerance has become a common word. All ministers are asked to give the actual report of all officers. Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury had said that there would be no corruption in his ministry. Everyone (from high officials to peon) must give information on their assets. But, as far as I know more than 80 percent of the officers did not submit their reports. Same situation will be found in other ministries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very much cautious about this. Apart from the government, our people have to be aware about this. The dream of the Father of the Nation is being implemented today by his daughter Sheikh Hasina. The government has taken the country on the development highway. Many big projects in the history of Bangladesh including the Padma Bridge, Metrorail are being implemented during the Awami League government. The country has now graduated to middle income country from low-income country.
BP: You were engaged in Chhatra League as an active member. How would you evaluate the present Chhatra League compared to the Chhatra League of Bangabandhu’s period?
Md Shahabuddin: Huge difference. The Chhatra League was dedicated during the Bangabandhu’s period. We did politics from taking money from our home. But, now some students join Chhatra League to earn money. Besides, we see huge difference between the income and expenditure of present Chhatra league. Many spend big sums of money only to get a post. It has now become power politics. Although all are not same.
BP: Thank you for sharing your experience.
Md Shahabuddin: Thank You.
