I was asked, "What is your last wish?" I replied, "Both of my parents are out of the country, and I wish to speak to my mother one last time." The person responded, "No, you cannot be kept alive, and you cannot be allowed to talk to your mother. Say your last prayers. I will finish (kill) you now." That's when I felt the barrel of the gun pressed against my chest. The pain was intense, and I thought I would die from that injury. They had forced me to lie down, boots on my feet, blindfolded, hands and feet tied. They had held me down with their boots on my neck and hands. I knew if I struggled any longer, I would die. In desperation, I shouted for my mom. I could smell alcohol on their breath; they were drunk. One hesitated, then said, "No, he can't be shot yet. We need to talk to him." Another one pulled the trigger of the gun, but it didn't fire. The person continued, "If you admit what I tell you to say, then I will not kill you." Out of fear, I replied, "I will admit to whatever you demand.", these were in the words of Omar Farooq Kawsar, the former vice-president of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.

Omar Farooq Kawsar, born in 1987 in Bakshipur of Sadar Upazila in Lakshmipur district, is the only son among the four children of businessman Nurul Anwar and Kohinoor Begum. He completed his SSC in 2001 and HSC in 2003 before being admitted to Jagannath University in the 2003-04 session. Although he graduated from the political science department, he couldn't finish his master's degree due to political harassment. He has been a victim of more than 20 cases and countless attacks. Kawsar discussed the persecution he faced in an interview with Bangla Outlook, conducted by the Dhaka representative. 

Bangla Outlook: How did you get involved in politics?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: After completing school, I became involved in politics. Lakshmipur is recognized as a stronghold of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). I recalled my initiation into politics in class 11 at the local Bashikpur School and College, where I participated in processions and meetings with the Chhatra Dal. Influenced by my family and relatives who were heavily involved in BNP politics, I was drawn to the party's ideals. My admiration for Ziaur Rahman's patriotism, Begum Khaleda Zia's unwavering principles, and Tarique Rahman's extensive grassroots engagement further solidified my commitment to BNP's political ideology and path. Upon entering college at Jagannath University, the Vice-President, Abdus Sattar, and General Secretary, Parvez Reza of Jagannath University Chhatra Dal, approached me and asked for volunteers to join the organisation. Without hesitation, I raised my hand and expressed my willingness to join. Since that moment, I have dedicated 24 years to the organisation. Despite facing numerous instances of torture and attacks, I have remained resolute in my spirit and dedication to my cause.

Bangla Outlook: How many times have you been assaulted?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: During the tumultuous period of one-eleven, more challenges unfolded. At that time, there was a ban on all kinds of politics. We, the Jagannath University Chhatra Dal, marched almost daily under the guidance of Khandkar Delwar and Hannan Shah, the Secretary-General. Despite facing severe opposition, including being thrown onto the street and beaten by the police multiple times in front of the university, I managed to evade arrest. My associates and I successfully thwarted police attempts to apprehend us several times.

Bangla Outlook: During the crisis of 1/11, does being the only son in the family create any obstacles?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: Not. However, I could have been in trouble. My parents and sisters had settled in America with their families. They are all American citizens. I, too, was asked to leave the country. But I was deeply committed to my party, prioritising it over my career. Leaving the country wasn't an option; I was dedicated to serving the country and its people. Politics consumed me entirely, with my focus on serving round the clock. I never considered anything beyond that, and I still don't. Although I'm now attempting to engage in other endeavours alongside politics, I can't imagine leaving it behind entirely. My commitment to politics is unwavering, even though I've been attacked at least five times while engaged in political activities. Due to the circumstances, I even had to take my honours final exam in jail. More than 20 cases against me are still pending. I was forced-disappeared once.

Bangla Outlook: How were you forced-disappeared? 

Omar Farooq Kawsar: On March 5, 2015, it was around 8:30 AM when the political blockade organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was in full swing, demanding for a non-partisan government and the cancellation of one-sided elections. We commenced our procession at Laxmibazar, adjacent to Jagannath University. Suddenly, some people in civilian clothes attacked the parade amidst the demonstration. I found myself unable to move as they swiftly apprehended me and placed handcuffs on my wrists. Blindfolded, I was then ushered into a waiting car. Within 20 to 30 minutes, we arrived at an undisclosed location. Upon arrival, I was escorted into a room where the assailants commenced beating me while I was still blindfolded. I collapsed under the relentless barrage of kicks and blows, their boots landing heavily on my legs and neck. The surroundings were a blur as I endured what felt like strikes from either a gun butt or a thick stick. Struggling to withstand the torment, I pleaded for water, having had no breakfast that morning. However, my request was denied. As I lay sprawled on the ground, arms and legs outstretched, I likely lost consciousness. When I gained consciousness, the vicious assault resumed without mercy. They employed every method of torture at their disposal, subjecting me to an hour of relentless brutality.

Bangla Outlook: Were you then sent to court?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: No, the torture continued for two days. In the afternoon, my legs were bound with a rope. There was no conversation throughout this ordeal. They inflicted severe injuries on my body, leaving nothing spared, from the soles of my feet to my hips. I was left paralyzed and unable to endure any more pain. Eventually, I lost consciousness. That's how it went. After subjecting me to such torture for two days, they finally took me to court.

Bangla Outlook: Did they only beat you without asking anything? Can you tell us in detail?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: They just beat me. The beating was relentless. At one point, I felt that survival might only come through death. So, I wished for death many times. I can't pinpoint the exact duration. On the second day, around noon, they bound my hands behind my back with handcuffs and covered my eyes with a thick cloth. I lacked the strength to move my legs. They instructed me to urinate, but I refused. Reluctantly, they began to strike my arms and thighs. Driven by fear, I complied. After urinating, it felt like I passed out. I have no recollection of what happened afterwards. It seemed like someone hurled me from a height, and I lost consciousness. Below the waist, everything felt numb. I have no idea how much time passed before I regained consciousness. During my time with them, I forgot to urinate. A day later, I found myself unable to urinate; blood was flowing instead. They continued to beat me at least three or four times more. My entire body turned black. The skin on both arms peeled off due to the beatings. My feet were torn, and both thighs were swollen and ruptured in various places.

Bangla Outlook: Have you not received any treatment?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: Yes, they have given me painkillers. They beat me up. They administered a highly potent painkiller injection. I was forced to take pain relief tablets. The pain subsided shortly after the injection. However, I was beaten again. Sometimes, they also provided me with some food, although very little. I had one hand in handcuffs while eating. But I couldn't comprehend where exactly I was.

Bangla Outlook: How were those nights?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: I endured torment even during the nights. I could manage to sleep for only two to three hours. They allowed me some rest during the first night, but I couldn't sleep due to the excruciating pain. I was writhing in agony. The second night was horrendous. It was perhaps the most terrifying night of my life. Few have faced such dreadful times. It was around two or three in the morning. I was already blindfolded, and my hands were handcuffed from the front to the back. They uttered, "Let's take you somewhere."

Bangla Outlook: Where did they take you?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: I couldn’t see where they took me. Whenever I was picked up in the car, fear consumed me. During the turmoil of 2014-15, many of those apprehended were subsequently killed. My body was in such a state that protesting was impossible. I was ushered into the car. After about 20 to 25 minutes of driving, the car stopped. They made me walk a short distance and then forced me to lie on the ground. With the sound of water nearby, I assumed we were by a river or a reservoir. I was asked if I could hear the sound of running water to which I responded affirmatively. They were all drunk, emitting a foul odour from their mouths. Addressing me, one of them said, "Mr. Kawsar, recite your last prayers." I understood this was the end for me. I recited: La Ilaha Illallahu Muhammadur Rasulullah. Someone asked about my last wish. With my parents residing in America at the time and me being alone in Bangladesh, I expressed my profound love for my mother and my desire to speak with her. However, they denied my request, saying I couldn't contact her. They reiterated the command to recite prayers. As I prayed again, I felt the pressure of their boots on my hands and feet and their weight pressing down on my chest. The sound of a rifle being loaded pierced through the air. Suddenly, the barrel of the gun was forcefully pushed into my chest, causing unbearable pain. I screamed in agony. I endured that pain for the next three months. I realised the fact that this was the end of life for me. Amidst the ordeal, one of them interjected, saying, "Wait, We need to talk to him."

Bangla Outlook: What did they say?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: I was told that I would be let live under one condition: I had to admit to what they would ask me to. In that dire situation, survival was paramount to me. I replied I would admit. They described an incident where a girl was injured in a cocktail explosion at Kabi Nazrul College a few days earlier. They demanded that I take responsibility for that incident if I wanted to be let go. I agreed to their terms. However, they did not believe me and continued to beat me while I lay defenceless. They relentlessly struck me until every inch of my body ached. Desperate to end the ordeal, I pleaded, "I would admit, I would administer anything you ask me to." Finally relenting, they warned that if I ever spoke of this again, they would pick me up again and kill me. Subsequently, they transported me to Sutrapur police station, where they untied my hands, feet, and eyes. It was morning when they released me.

Bangla Outlook: What happened at the police station?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: Around seven or 7:30 in the morning, I was brought before the officer in charge or someone who was at the  police station. Once again, my hands and eyes were covered. They escorted me to the OC's (Officer-in-Charge) room and initiated interrogation. They inquired if I recalled the previous night's events, to which I affirmed. Without delay, they resumed their brutal methods, this time with four to five individuals simultaneously slapping me on both cheeks. It felt like an endless barrage of blows. I remained detained at the police station after that.

Bangla Outlook: What happened next?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: Subsequently, around noon or 12:30, I was escorted to the court, where I was prohibited from communicating with anyone. Confined to the seventh floor of CMM Court, I endured three days of isolation before finally experiencing a semblance of relief with access to light and fresh air. Appearing before the judge, I was asked, "What do you have to say?" Overwhelmed with despair, I struggled to comprehend. Yet, I resolved to take a chance, risking my life. I asserted, "I was not involved in this incident," and proceeded to remove my shirt, revealing the bruises and marks of torture that covered my entire body. Moved by my condition, the judge declared my innocence and instructed the police to reevaluate the case. However, standing nearby, the police officer hurled obscenities at me and threatened to fabricate more charges, vowing to kill me during custody. At that moment, I felt I had made a grave error once again in my life. Subsequently, I was brought back before the judge, and after that, I resolved to speak the truth. I reiterated to the judge, "I was not involved in this incident," acknowledging my plea, the judge sent me to prison. Meanwhile, another case was brought against me in a separate court, yet fortune favoured me as the court postponed the hearing to the following Sunday. I survived.

Bangla Outlook: Were you then sent to prison afterwards?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: Yes, shortly before evening, I was incarcerated. Stepping into the prison, I felt as though I had entered heaven. Despite being confined, I rejoiced in my newfound freedom, cherishing every breath as a testament to survival. I believed that if I had endured such tribulations, I could continue to live.

Bangla Outlook: How were you treated in prison?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: It wasn't easy, but I survived. After a prolonged period of imprisonment, I was eventually released. However, the legal proceedings are still ongoing.

Bangla Outlook: What is your current situation?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: Following my release, I required extensive medical treatment. I suffered from urinary infections, kidney issues, and back problems. Although much improved now, I still struggle to stand for prolonged periods.

Bangla Outlook: What keeps you in politics despite enduring such torment?

Omar Farooq Kawsar: In the hopes of redemption. One cannot count achievements in politics. I am committed to serving the people and fighting for their freedom as long as I live.

Bangla Outlook: Thank you.

Omar Farooq Kawsar: Thank you too.