A long awaited closure

AFTER 44 excruciating years the widows of Sohagpur, now known as Bidhoba Palli (Village of Widows) in Nalitabari, Sherpur, have had closure for their burden of grief. The man responsible for planning and taking part in the killing of at least 164 villagers including the husbands of these women, on July 25, 1971, finally had to pay for his atrocious crimes. While there is nothing celebratory in another human being's death, we cannot help but find solace in the fact that justice for the merciless torture, killing and rape of so many innocent people, has been served.

These widows and other family members of the victims have had to bear the agony of seeing the man behind the murder of their loved ones, the person who facilitated rape and torture on them, lead the life of a free man and even become an influential in the country's politics. Some of the widows who had also suffered sexual abuse that day have had the courage to testify against Kamarauzzaman. Despite the risk of their families having to live with the stigma, they were determined that the truth be revealed at all costs. We salute them for their bravery and sacrifice.

We also express our deep appreciation to Sheikh Hasina's government for steadfastly pursuing the case. Our respect goes out to the War Crimes Tribunal and the Supreme Court for being able to uphold the verdict arrived after months of proceedings, despite pressure from vested groups. May the martyrs of Sohagpur finally rest in peace.