Today marks the 18th anniversary of the tragic “logi boitha” mayhem. On this day in 2006, Awami League activists brutally murdered six Jamaat-e-Islami members in broad daylight in the Baitul Mukarram area of Dhaka, using "logi and boithas." Disturbingly, they danced on the corpses after confirming their deaths—an act unimaginable in a civilized society.
This incident sparked widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.
Reports indicate in October 2006, the BNP-led four-party coalition government was preparing to step down. The Awami League, leading a 14-party alliance, launched a vigorous movement to prevent recently retired Chief Justice K.M.Hasan from assuming the role of head of the caretaker government.
In this context, on October 28, 2006, a violent clash erupted between Jamaat-e-Islami and Awami League supporters in the Paltan and Baitul Mukarram areas of Dhaka.
Reports indicate that Sheikh Hasina herself ordered her party members to bring "logi and boithas" with them. The open display of weapons, gunfire, and brutal assaults that day sparked widespread outrage.
Although a case was filed, it was eventually withdrawn after the Awami League assumed power in 2009.
BNP and Jamaat leaders contend the Awami League's actions that day were part of a broader conspiracy to impose one-party rule.
Jamaat-e-Islami's Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, told the media, "This was the first rehearsal for the rise of autocracy and fascism."
He pointed out that Begum Khaleda Zia was in power at the time, but the government "failed to fulfill its necessary role."
BNP leaders believe if there had been coordination between Jamaat and BNP that day, the Awami League would not have been able to carry out their rampage.
BNP Standing Committee member Hafizuddin Ahmed remarked, "BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami together form a significant force. If they unite, they can defeat all other parties. However, there was no planning or coordination, and the lack of unity created this situation."
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
