My right leg was bruised, and I lacked the strength to stand up on my feet. Despite this, I was forced to walk, supported by the shoulders of two individuals, my right leg hanging limp. I was forcibly dragged to the ground and taken to the roadside police camp, where I was subjected to further beatings, even in the presence of law enforcement officers. As time passed, I found myself lying on the floor, my voice barely a whisper as I requested some water to drink, only to have some people spit in my mouth. I felt like I was slowly fading away, frozen and nearly silent. "Sir, his condition is deteriorating," someone remarked urgently. "He needs to be taken to the hospital immediately, or he may not survive."

These harrowing words were spoken by Sajid Hasan Babu, Co-Library Affairs Secretary of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Jubo Dal, as he recounted the incident of a brutal assault by activists of the Awami League and the police in Gabtoli, the capital city of Dhaka, on July 29, 2023.

Sajid Hasan Babu was born on 12 June 1987 in Sadar Upazila of Jamalpur district. He is the youngest of five sons and one daughter of the late lawyer Rakibul Hossain and his mother, Noor-e-Naznin Ferdowsi. Following his father's death in 1991, Sajid Hasan was deeply cared for by his siblings, mother, and relatives.

He completed his secondary education at Jamalpur Zilla School in 2001 and his higher secondary education at Government Akesh Mahmud College, Jamalpur, in 2003. His involvement in Chhatra Dal politics began during his eleventh-grade studies. Subsequently, he enrolled at Dhaka University in the 2004-2005 academic year and graduated in Urdu Literature in 2010. He was a student leader of freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman Hall.

In 2016, due to the prolonged absence of a committee within the university, Sajid Hasan was elected vice president of DU Chhatra Dal. Later, in 2019, he assumed the position of Vice President of the Central Committee of Chhatra Dal. He currently serves as the Secretary of Library Affairs in the Juba Dal central committee.

Throughout his political activism, Sajid Hasan has faced numerous challenges, including being imprisoned twice and arrested on four occasions over 22 years. Currently, he is entangled in five ongoing political cases. Additionally, he has been subjected to assaults and harassment by the police and Awami League members on multiple occasions.

Sajid Hasan Babu shared his experiences of the various assaults and tortures inflicted upon him in an interview with the Dhaka representative of Bangla Outlook.

Bangla Outlook: How did your involvement in politics begin amidst the love and discipline of your family?

Sajid Hasan: I witnessed preparations for the student union elections were underway upon entering college. Intrigued, I began attending Chhatra Dal meetings regularly. Eventually, my involvement deepened, becoming an integral part of me. Surprisingly, my family didn't pose any hindrance but extended their support. Through this period, I completed my HSC. Although the college's student union election didn't materialise, I travelled to Dhaka and secured admission to Dhaka University.

Bangla Outlook: Could you share your experiences with the onset of student politics at DU?

Sajid Hasan: Initially, it was promising. While BNP in the government, I was affiliated with Ziaur Rahman Hall, where I encountered numerous skilled leaders. Their ideologies deeply resonated with me, solidifying my allegiance to the party. Initially, I contested for the hall committee's general secretary position, but it never came to fruition due to prolonged dormancy of the committee. Then came the dark chapter of one-eleven, imposing a political embargo. Despite this, campus-centric activism persisted. However, after 2010, staying on campus became challenging. With the advent of the Awami League, they promptly restricted Chhatra Dal from accessing Madhur Canteen. On June 21, 2010, during an attempt to enter Madhur Canteen, violence erupted as Chhatra League leaders confronted us, resulting in physical assault. My right collarbone was fractured during the assault. Subsequently, campus entry became impossible. I was even denied admission to postgraduate classes at DU. Later, I pursued an LLB from Central Law College while enduring periods of incarceration. Amidst legal battles and physical attacks, it's challenging to tally the exact count.

Bangla Outlook: Can you recount an unforgettable incident of torture or assault?

Sajid Hasan: Absolutely. The memory still leaves me with a parched throat, and it's surreal to think I survived it. It was during a BNP protest rally in Dhaka on July 28, 2023, followed by a sit-in programme the next day, July 29, at the city's entrance. My designated duty was in Gabtoli, and around 10:30 am, as I arrived at the Gabtaoi Khalek petrol pump, I noticed a heavy presence of police and law enforcement personnel. Surrounding us were members of the local Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Awami League armed with sticks, and makeshift weapons. Instructions came to relocate slightly towards the Gabtoli bus stand. As we moved, I observed a procession of armed Awami League activists advancing alongside the police. Shortly after, a stone-throwing frenzy ensued, injuring several of us. Amidst the chaos, a forceful blow landed on my neck from behind, causing me to collapse. Then I was captured.

Bangla Outlook: Where did they take you?

Sajid Hasan: They dragged me to a nearby tin structure resembling a warehouse and unleashed a torrent of violence upon me. Using sticks, iron rods, dusters embedded with nails for cleaning buses, and hammers, they battered every inch of my body. My right leg suffered severe bruising, and amidst the assault, cries for my life filled my thoughts. I fixated on thoughts of my family, my mother, brothers, and sister, hoping to preserve my life. Desperate to shield my head, I repeatedly raised my hand. Some of those beating me shouted for my execution, intending to conceal it within the fenced compound to evade media scrutiny. Dragged further into the room, the onslaught persisted.

Bangla Outlook: Did they communicate anything during that moment?

Sajid Hasan: They shouted, "Want to change the party? Want to come to power? Want to join the street protest?" while continuing their onslaught of kicks, punches, and slaps. The brutality persisted as they assaulted me relentlessly. Amidst the chaos, one voice suggested, "His condition seems critical; let's stop the beating." Witnessing my leg being shattered below the knee by a hammer, I felt helpless. Prioritising survival over limb preservation, I resigned myself to fate, praying fervently for divine protection. Amidst the chaos, one voice intervened, "Stop beating him, let him be." Another said the media is coming. Then they said, "We can't leave him there, let's hand him over to the police ''.

Bangla Outlook: What happened when they handed you over to the police?

Sajid Hasan: They didn't hand me over; instead, they forced me to walk. I protested, stating I couldn't due to my injured leg. But as I attempted to move, I saw my legs trembling, the right one hanging limp. Their response was a barrage of vulgar insults directed at my family, party leaders, and myself. Despite my pleas for water, they spat in my mouth, denying me any respite. Then, two of them hoisted me onto their shoulders, dragging my fractured leg along the ground, and began kicking and beating me. Some twisted the broken part of my leg as I crawled towards the police box, hoping for refuge. However, the brutality continued even in front of the police, who eventually intervened, resulting in a chaotic scuffle lasting about thirty minutes. Throughout, I felt like I was slowly fading, my consciousness dimming. Despite my pleas for water, none was given, and eventually, they arrested me. My ears hurt so much I couldn't hear anything.

Bangla Outlook: What transpired afterwards?

Sajid Hasan: The police transported me to Suhrawardy Hospital, with assurances to my relatives that I'd receive further treatment at Rajarbagh Police Hospital after initial care. However, upon examination, the doctor expressed grave concern about my condition, stating that any moment could bring a fatal turn. Sensing the urgency, the police alerted their superiors and hastily departed from the hospital after obtaining a bond from one of my relatives, leaving me unconscious.

Bangla Outlook: What treatment did you receive there?

Sajid Hasan: Following preliminary treatment for my foot at Suhrawardy Hospital, I was transferred to the Neuroscience Hospital, still in an unconscious state. Various tests, including an MRI of my head, were conducted before my transfer to the Traumatology & Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Hospital. There, doctors warned that delayed intervention could lead to amputation. Regrettably, my family was kept uninformed during this critical period. Subsequently, I underwent a 43-day treatment regimen at Orthopaedic Hospital. Despite the efforts, I cannot stand or walk on my right leg. 

Bangla Outlook: Was there any legal repercussions from that incident?

Sajid Hasan: I'm not sure. I was hospitalised throughout, still undergoing treatment.

Bangla Outlook: Apart from the foot injury, what other challenges do you face due to the incident?

Sajid Hasan: I'm uncertain about the prognosis for my leg. Two knee surgeries are still pending, and some ligaments in my right leg are impaired and require attention. Additionally, I continue to grapple with head issues, including persistent ear injuries. However, the most significant challenge is my inability to sleep. The bruising on my neck persists, and even closing my eyes briefly evokes sensations of impending harm reminiscent of past traumas.

Bangla Outlook: What other adversities in your political journey evoke such emotions?

Sajid Hasan: The arrest at Paltan police station in 2017, leaving my ailing mother behind, remains deeply distressing. The memory of that incident stirs profound anguish.

Bangla Outlook: How many times have you faced such attacks?

Sajid Hasan: During Begum Khaleda Zia's incarceration, I was brutally attacked in Bakshibazar by Jubo League and Chhatra League cadres. Left injured on the street, the police callously abandoned me. Only through the intervention of a compassionate local resident did I find refuge. Recollecting that day brings tears, witnessing helplessly as Begum Khaleda Zia was taken to prison.

Bangla Outlook: Despite these trials, why persist in politics?

Sajid Hasan: Dreams propel individuals, shaping their aspirations. For politicians, these dreams are the lifeblood, driving their perseverance. While success may elude me, pursuing justice for my fellow citizens remains my purpose. Though the path may be arduous, I find solace in striving for a better future, anchoring myself in this noble cause.

Bangla Outlook: Thank you.

Sajid Hasan: My gratitude to Bangla Outlook. May it continue to be a beacon for the marginalised, championing human rights tirelessly.