Three or four individuals suddenly emerged from behind, forcibly taking me to a car and handcuffing me. Someone from behind placed a black covering over my head and face. The vehicle stopped for approximately thirty minutes before I was taken out of it, my hands still bound behind my back. Two of them then escorted me, tightly clasping each other's hands. It seemed like we ascended in an elevator before descending once more. I lost count of the floors we traversed. Upon exiting the elevator, I was seated in a chair, my mouth tightly gagged with a cloth or a towel-like material, and my eyes, face, and legs securely bound. They began to beat me mercilessly with a thick stick from waist to toe. Within three or four minutes, I lost consciousness, falling from the chair to the ground. This brutal assault persisted for three days, during which they systematically removed each of my eight toenails. They even brought hot water and a pair of cutting pliers in front of me. In desperation, I pleaded for my life, imploring them not to kill me.

Md Amanullah Aman, the joint general secretary of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal, recounted these harrowing details. On November 4, 2023, he was apprehended by law enforcement authorities while preparing for a procession in the Mohakhali area of the capital, Dhaka. Aman was eventually released from Keraniganj Central Jail on February 14.

Amanullah Aman was born on September 9, 1990, in Sadar Upazila of Barguna district in South Bangladesh. He is the sixth child among four sons and three daughters of his late father, Abdur Rahim Munshi, a school teacher, and his mother, Ambia Khatun. His father, Rahim Munshi, passed away in 2021. Ambia Khatun, now 73 years old, resides in Dhaka with two of her sons. From an early age, Aman excelled in his studies. He attended Parirkhaal Secondary School in Barguna Sadar Upazila, where he demonstrated remarkable talent. Aman passed his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination in 2006 and was subsequently admitted to Tejgaon College in Dhaka for his higher secondary education. Following this, in the academic year 2009-10, he enrolled in the music department of Dhaka University, where he completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Presently, Aman, a prominent student leader, is pursuing his master's degree in Japanese language studies at Dhaka University. In a discussion concerning various issues such as attacks, cases, and torture perpetrated by the ruling party, he revealed the brutal torture he endured at the hands of law enforcement authorities. The Dhaka representative of Bangla Outlook conducted the interview.

Bangla Outlook: What is one of the most terrifying experiences?

Amanullah Aman: The most terrifying experience of my life occurred on November 4, 2023. I will never be able to erase from my memory how the Counter Terrorism Unit of the police apprehended me and the horrors that ensued.

Bangla Outlook: Can you explain? 

Amanullah Aman: That day, around 2 pm, we were in the midst of preparing for a protest march in front of the Planning Commission. With numerous arrests occurring across the country, the atmosphere was tense. Observing the significant presence of law enforcement personnel around our intended gathering spot, we swiftly decided to relocate and convene in Mohakhali. Upon reaching Mohakhali, and as we assembled, I found myself suddenly surrounded by individuals clad in white attire. Upon entering the car, one forcefully placed a black covering on my head and face. When I resisted, I was subjected to verbal abuse and obscenities. My mobile phone was confiscated, and I was handcuffed. After approximately 30 minutes of driving, I was taken out of the vehicle. It felt like I was transported to the top of a building in an elevator, but I couldn't figure out my surroundings with my eyes blindfolded.

Bangla Outlook: What happened after taking you there? 

Amanullah Aman: After disembarking from the elevator, I was led to a room and made to sit on a chair. Handcuffs were tightly fastened around both my hands, restricting my movement. My mouth was gagged with a cloth, and a blindfold was forcefully placed over my eyes. Before I could comprehend the situation, the onslaught began. Blows rained down on me from all directions, with sticks relentlessly striking from my waist down to my feet. I felt hands striking my head, followed by punches. The pain was unbearable, and I lost consciousness quickly.

When I awoke, I found myself lying on the floor. My arms, thighs, waist, and feet were swollen, and an overwhelming thirst consumed me. I lacked the strength even to speak. The room was bitterly cold, and despite being clad in only a thin shirt and pants, I remained barefoot. Though someone had provided me with a pillow and a blanket, I was too weak to adjust them properly. Three agonising days passed in this manner. For two days, the oppressive blindfold remained tightly secured over my eyes, and I even forgot to use the toilet.

Bangla Outlook: No one said anything?

Amanullah Aman: Yes, my hands, eyes, and mouth were all immobilised, rendering me completely helpless. In between the torturous sessions, they relentlessly pressured me to confess to a murder case, but I adamantly refused. During the second night of my captivity, amidst the relentless torment, I lost consciousness. A doctor was summoned, and I was administered an injection, given a tablet, and subjected to some form of spray. Though the pain subsided slightly, I remained utterly drained of energy, unable to stand on my own.

When nature called, they assisted me to the toilet, supporting me on their shoulders. Shortly after, I was summoned again. With a blindfold covering my eyes, the vicious onslaught resumed, targeting my legs, waist, and arms, leaving me bound and defenceless. Approximately 5-6 individuals participated in the torture, causing me to collapse to the ground along with the chair. I slipped into a state of profound unconsciousness, though I could still perceive their intentions—my toenails were to be forcibly removed.

In excruciating pain, I screamed out, "Mom, Dad," but my parched throat stifled the cries. The sensation of the first nail being pulled was excruciating, and though subsequent nails were extracted, I felt as though I were on the brink of death, unable to vocalise my agony. Left abandoned on the floor, I teetered between consciousness and oblivion. From beyond the confines of the room, a voice offered words of solace, expressing wishes for my well-being and imploring me to endure. However, my vision remained obscured by the blindfold, preventing me from identifying the source of this comfort. Desperately parched, I pleaded for water, only to be met with a solemn warning that providing water at that moment would pose risks and complications.

I pleaded for water, but it was denied, deemed too risky. Lying prone on the floor, every inch of my body from waist to toes bore the marks of their brutality. My flesh was torn and bruised, a testament to the severity of their beatings. Thrice, in the dead of night, I was transported to the police hospital, only to be returned by morning for further torment. This relentless cycle persisted for three agonizing days when I forgot my basic sustenance needs. Survival became my sole imperative, eclipsing even the pangs of hunger and thirst. 

Bangla Outlook: Where did they take three days later?

Amanullah Aman: On the dawn of the third day, they resumed their assault with renewed ferocity. The officer in charge, relentless in his brutality, subjected me to a barrage of verbal abuse from the outset. Stripping away the cap that had obscured my vision, he brandished a photograph before me, claiming it to be incriminating evidence. He demanded that I confess to the allegations portrayed in the image, threatening to expedite my case to the courts should I refuse. 

Despite my innocence, I maintained my stance, insisting that I knew nothing of the depicted incident. In response, they escalated their threats, warning that failure to comply would result in dire consequences, even death. They callously remarked that my continued survival was owed only to international scrutiny, suggesting that they would have swiftly disposed of me under different circumstances.

Bangla Outlook: What happened after that?

Amanullah Aman: Sitting in a circle before me were individuals speaking in varied tones. A hot water jug was placed in front of me alongside a plastic bucket, electrical wires, cutting pliers, and various other items. Accusingly, the person pointed out, "You refuse to acknowledge your presence in this image." I vehemently denied any involvement, asserting my innocence. I pleaded, "Why implicate me in this matter and bring about my demise?" However, those around me began to assault me, kicking and beating relentlessly. The police officer struck me with force using his baton while others clamoured for my execution. Fear gripped me as I contemplated the possibility of death. At that moment, bound and helpless, I cried out in agony, yet the onslaught continued unabated.

Bangla Outlook: Did you confess to everything on camera? Why?

Amanullah Aman: I was subjected to various forms of intimidation, with relentless reminders that I must perform ablution and pray. Among themselves, they discussed covert plans to take me away under the cover of night and execute me. The torture seemed endless. I reached a breaking point. My mother's face remained vivid in my memory, along with the faces of my siblings. I imagined they were crying for me, searching for me. Time became indistinguishable; day and night merged into an incomprehensible blur. Only the call to prayer, "Assalatu Khairum Minan Naum," during the Fajr Azan, provided a faint marker of time. Thoughts of my younger sister consumed me, along with concerns for my detained elder brother and my nieces and his children. The desire to live consumed me completely. I entertained only one thought: survival. The notion of facing trial didn't register until I realised that admitting to being the person in the picture might be my only chance to survive.

Bangla Outlook: After that, they did not torture?

Amanullah Aman: On the final day, there was no torture inflicted upon me. Instead, I was subjected to another form of intimidation. They informed me that I would be presented to the media and instructed me not to speak or move unusually. Subsequently, the team departed, leaving me alone on the premises. A new individual entered and inquired about my affiliation as a student leader at Dhaka University, asking where I preferred to dine, either at IBA or Sonargaon Hotel. Realising I couldn't assert myself then, I knew I had to find a way to escape at any cost. With this in mind, I responded, "Take me to any place."

Bangla Outlook: What happened next?

Amanullah Aman: I was escorted before the media, where they addressed the press. My role was simply to stand there as they informed the media of my arrest on charges related to a murder case. I remained silent throughout. The following day, at around 10:30 am, I was transported to court in a DB car. The DB requested a 7-day remand. On November 7, I was taken to the DB office once again.

Bangla Outlook: What did they do in remand?

Amanullah Aman: Compared to physical torture in remand, mental torture is more severe. I was pressured to state section 164. During those seven days, I was tortured one night around 8:30. The police asked me to plead guilty in the murder case, but when I refused, they beat me badly with a police baton. A section 164 written statement was read out to me. I said, 'I will not say this even if it kills me.' They verbally abused the chairperson and acting chairperson of my party and said that the system (crossfire) was not there, which is why I survived. After that, they did not torture in those seven days. However, I was interrogated again and again after an hour. After seven days, I was brought to court again.

Bangla Outlook: What did the court say?

Amanullah Aman: When my lawyer mentioned torture, I asked to speak to the judge. I described the unbearable torture I endured and showed my shirt as evidence. I pleaded with my lawyer, Masud Ahmed Talukdar, that I wanted to live. However, the judge didn't think I looked too injured and questioned whether such torture had occurred. Despite my plea, the court granted five days of remand instead of the requested 7.

Bangla Outlook: What happened in this case?

Amanullah Aman: After being retaken to the DB, the last two days were filled with endless torture. They demanded that I confess to murdering under orders from the Acting Chairman and Secretary General of my party, but I refused. Despite my resistance, the DB officers claimed they were under pressure and insisted I admit to their demands. When I still didn't comply, they resorted to extreme violence. They blindfolded me, threatened to kill me, and then brutally beat me, leaving me unable to move. They even pulled out my toenails and hammered my right big toenail. In agony, I cried out for my parents, but the torture didn't stop. Eventually, I gave in and agreed to say whatever they wanted. When I finally opened my eyes, I saw blood everywhere – on my knees, feet, and the floor. They took me to the police hospital for treatment, but despite injections and ointments, I couldn't move my legs or hands properly. Despite my condition, I was still taken to court to state section 164. 

Bangla Outlook: What happened there?

Amanullah Aman: After being left in a car outside the detention camp, I was taken to the judge's room around 2:30 in the afternoon. Everyone was already there – DB officers, police constables, and private room officials. They surrounded me as I reiterated my innocence. Despite my pleas, the judge seemed more like a threat than a fair arbiter, pressuring me to state Section 164. He even threatened to extend my remand with new charges. Eventually, more senior officers replaced the investigating officer, totalling 11. They discussed my case while I listened to a loudspeaker. Shockingly, the judge said, bring the other cases that are there, I will finish him. and I felt powerless under the grip of the police. Later, six DB officers forced me to sign a pre-written paper with my right hand, and then I was sent to prison.

Bangla Outlook: What happened to the prison?

Amanullah Aman: The experience in prison was even worse. I brought some medicine with me from outside, which was given to me in the Meghna Ward from Amdani (i.e., incoming prisoners ward). On the second day of being in prison, I lost consciousness due to various physical issues. Despite the efforts of everyone in the ward to help in different ways, I only started feeling slightly better. Around 9:30 pm, I was taken to the prison hospital. However, the person in-charge there refused to treat me when he saw my case card, citing my leadership position in the Chhatra Dal. I was left untreated on the floor throughout the night, only receiving medication that was brought from outside.

Bangla Outlook: What are the oppressive measures you faced in prison? 

Amanullah Aman: Even my family members were not allowed to visit me. Until the 7th January election, the visitation slip in my name was not sent to the prison. I relied on the assistance of other inmates for healing. My fingernails were forcibly removed, and I couldn't even correctly put bandages on them – I had to use cloth instead. No single word can adequately describe the deprivation I endured.

Bangla Outlook: Many other leaders of the party were imprisoned in prison. Did they look after you?

Amanullah Aman: Yes, the General Secretary of the party cried when he saw the condition of my body in jail. He was deeply affected and tried his best to comfort me. One day, he asked me not to mind and to open my shirt a little. Upon seeing the numerous injuries and bruises on my back and body, he broke down in tears. Despite my own suffering, I tried to console him during that difficult moment.

Bangla Outlook: Has the party taken care of the case and family?  

Amanullah Aman: The team handled the case efficiently. The party's Acting Chairman spoke to my mother, offering her comfort and support. I am truly happy and grateful for their kindness and assistance.

Bangla Outlook: When were you released from prison? What treatment did you receive afterwards? What problems is it currently experiencing?

Amanullah Aman: I was released from jail on February 14, 2024. After my release, I received medical treatment, which I'm still undergoing. The doctor mentioned that it would take a while to recover from the trauma. I still experience difficulty standing for long periods due to pain in the soles of my feet and headaches. One of the biggest challenges is waking up from sleep, feeling like someone is calling me or that I'm about to be taken away or harmed. My damaged nails are also receiving treatment. Despite the ongoing struggles, I find solace in simply being alive.

Bangla Outlook: How did you get involved in politics?

Amanullah Aman: My cousin, Imdadul Haque Milan, was the president of Union Chhatra Dal. I became involved in Chhatra Dal politics while attending march meetings in ninth grade. I developed a deep admiration for Ziaur Rahman's patriotism and his ability to transform the country in a short time. Hearing about Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman from elders further fueled my interest in politics, particularly the principles and ideals of BNP. Additionally, my brothers were prominent leaders in BNP politics, which influenced me greatly. With a family background in politics and my own interests, I actively participated in Chhatra Dal politics during my teenage years. In 2004, I attended a rally of the then Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, in Patharghata, Barguna, with my cousin. Her speech at the rally deeply resonated with me, and from that moment on, I considered myself a part of the BNP party. That marked the beginning of my journey in politics.

Bangla Outlook: Is it challenging for any school student to become involved in active politics, especially when teachers and parents do not discourage it?

Amanullah Aman: Since childhood, I've had a strong interest in leadership. Despite not being the most academically accomplished student, I consistently held the top position in my class from first grade to tenth grade. This allowed me to lead class captain elections, neighbourhood sports, and cultural events. Additionally, locally, my friends and I formed a club named "Bongostar" centred around our school, where I served as the president. Through these experiences, I became directly involved in politics, overcoming any obstacles that came my way with determination.

Bangla Outlook: Please clarify your question about the periodic continuity of Chhatra Dal politics.

Amanullah Aman: After passing my SSC exams in 2006, I enrolled at Tejgaon College in Dhaka. However, there weren't many opportunities for college-centric politics during my two years there for 11th and 12th grade since no committee was established. Nevertheless, I actively participated in various rallies and meetings on campus and in the city. Later, I joined Dhaka College for my undergraduate studies and became involved in student politics in 2009. I organised regular rallies and meetings on campus. The following year, I secured admission to Dhaka University in 2009-10, majoring in Folk Music and residing in Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall. I expressed my intention to Mahi Bhai, the senior member of Dhaka College Chhatra Dal, to continue my involvement in Chhatra Dal politics at DU. He introduced me to Fazlur Rahman Khokon bhai, the hall leader. I actively participated in Chhatra Dal's rallies and meetings when I joined Dhaka University. However, just 22 days after my admission, I was apprehended by Shamsul Kabir Rahat, the general secretary of  Chhatra League in Zahurul Haq Hall, near the university's central library, after he spotted me participating in a student procession. They took me and subjected me to torture in the guest room of the hall.

Bangla Outlook: What type of torture did you endure? 

Amanullah Aman: That torture was a harrowing experience in my life. They beat me mercilessly below the knee with a rod. After enduring prolonged torture, the proctor of the university at the time, Dr. Saiful Islam, dispatched the proctorial team to rescue me. They took me to Dhaka Medical, but unfortunately, I couldn't receive treatment there. Subsequently, I was admitted to a private hospital in Mirpur and had to undergo treatment for three days. The wound from that attack remains on my knee. Despite this ordeal, I faced several more attacks from the Chhatra League on campus.

Bangla Outlook: How did you get involved in the case?

Amanullah Aman: On August 19, 2019, I was arrested by the Paltan police. I was later released from custody after paying a substantial sum of money. I was accused by the Dhaka City Corporation of involvement in a case of vandalism during a post-election strike. Subsequently, as the member secretary of the Dhaka University Chhatra Dal convening committee, I began to face a series of accusations, leading to multiple cases being filed against me in various police stations around Shahbagh, Dhanmondi, Paltan, and Ramna. Currently, I am involved in 31 ongoing legal cases.

Bangla Outlook: How many times have the police attacked you?

Amanullah Aman: I have faced numerous attacks by the police over the years. On February 21, 2016, during an incident at the Shaheed Minar, our leaders and workers were attacked, and I was struck in the leg with the butt of a rifle. The injury from that incident still troubles me. Additionally, I was attacked multiple times while accompanying Begum Khaleda Zia to the special court in Bakshi Bazar for what I believe to be false charges. During the 2014 movement, I was assaulted by the police in front of Bangla Academy. Unfortunately, such attacks have become so common that they are often overlooked. Despite being injured, I rarely received proper treatment and continued participating in movements. On August 29, 2021, while leading a Chhatra Dal procession at Dhaka University, we were attacked by the Chhatra League, resulting in injuries to 23 of our leaders and workers. A thick stick broke my right hand during that attack, and it still hasn't fully recovered. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges we face in our activism.

Bangla Outlook: Do you want to continue politics after so much torture? 

Amanullah Aman: Our movement is aimed at opposing the current misrule in the country and striving for the liberation of our people. It's a movement to reclaim our rights. Despite our challenges and attacks, I remain committed to continuing our struggle. I will stay on the streets, fighting for justice and our nation's betterment by God's grace. 

Bangla Outlook: Thank you. 

Amanullah Aman: Thank you to Bangla Outlook, too.