While the spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr usually brings people together in embrace, a stark scene of isolation unfolded within the walls of Keraniganj Central Jail on Saturday morning.
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who recently turned state witness (King’s Witness) in the high-profile July massacre cases involving Sheikh Hasina and others, found himself socially sidelined by his former colleagues during the Eid celebrations.
A Divided Congregation
At approximately 8:30 AM, a special Eid congregation was held under heavy security at the Keraniganj facility. The jamat included nearly 123 high-profile detainees, including former ministers, members of parliament (MPs), and top bureaucrats from the ousted Awami League administration, all detained in connection with the 2024 mass uprising.
According to prison sources:
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The Cold Shoulder: After the prayers, while former ministers and officials exchanged traditional Eid hugs and greetings with one another, they pointedly avoided Al-Mamun.
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Isolated Presence: The former IGP remained physically and socially distanced from the group, surrounded by a heightened security detail. No former colleagues attempted to speak with or embrace him, signaling deep resentment over his decision to testify against his former superiors.
Eid Behind Bars: Menus and Traditions
Despite the political tension, the festive spirit was maintained through food and cultural activities across the country’s 73 prisons, which currently house approximately 80,000 inmates.
Faruq Ahmed, Jail Super of Keraniganj Central Jail, confirmed that two prayer sessions were held for inmates and staff.
The Special Holiday Menu:
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Breakfast: Muri (puffed rice) and Payesh (rice pudding).
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Lunch: A rich spread including Polao, Beef Rezala (Mutton for those who don’t eat beef), Roast Chicken, Boiled Eggs, Sweets, and Salad.
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Dinner: Plain rice, Rui fish, and Alur Dom (potato curry).
Connecting with Families
To alleviate the loneliness of incarceration during the holidays, prison authorities have introduced several special measures:
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Home-Cooked Meals: For a three-day period starting today, inmates are permitted to consume home-cooked food brought by their relatives.
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Phone Privileges: Each prisoner has been granted a three-minute free phone call to speak with their families.
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Entertainment: Cultural programs were organized within the jail premises, allowing inmates to participate in performances and enjoy a brief respite from their daily routine.
The atmosphere in jails nationwide remained peaceful, though the visible rift between the state witness and his former political allies served as a grim reminder of the shifting power dynamics following the 2024 uprising.
