Nearly 50 years ago, a man named Nur Chowdhury was involved in the assassination of Bangladesh's first president. Now living in Canada, this podcast investigates why he hasn't been deported to face justice. It explores the brutal assassination, frustrations with the Canadian government, the life of Chowdhury, and the negotiations surrounding his deportation.
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Quick takeaways
The assassination of Sheikh Mujib and its impact on Bangladesh serves as a haunting reminder of the political tumult and violence that plagued the country during the early 1970s.
The Canadian government's failure to deport Nur Chowdhury, the man convicted of killing Sheikh Mujib, raises questions about Canada's commitment to justice and human rights.
Deep dives
The Brutal Assassination of Sheikh Mujib and its Impact on Bangladesh
In this podcast episode, the host explores the assassination of Sheikh Mujib and its profound impact on Bangladesh. On August 15th, 1975, an assault took place at the official residence of the president, resulting in the deaths of Sheikh Mujib, his wife, three sons, and a pregnant daughter-in-law. This massacre was meticulously planned to wipe out the entire family. The political backdrop of Bangladesh during the early and mid-1970s is significant, with the country gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971. Following independence, Bangladesh faced numerous challenges such as floods, famine, corruption, and poverty. Sheikh Mujib tried to maintain control by nationalizing newspapers and cracking down on opposition. However, a rift grew between the standing army and Mujib's administration, culminating in a military coup. The trauma of the president's assassination still haunts many Bangladeshis. It is disturbing that the man convicted of killing Sheikh Mujib, Nur Chowdhury, is living freely in Canada despite a deportation order. Bangladeshis seek closure and justice for the entire family.
The Unresolved Quest for Justice and Closure
The podcast delves into the ongoing quest for justice and closure surrounding Sheikh Mujib's assassination. The host visits the preserved residence where the president and his family were killed, giving a harrowing account of the events. Interviews with Abdul Rahman Sheikh Rama, the only living witness of the massacre, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Mujib's daughter, provide personal perspectives and reveal the lasting trauma. Prime Minister Hasina, who experienced the news of her father's murder while abroad, expresses frustration that the man convicted of the crime, Nur Chowdhury, has been living freely in Canada for 27 years. She questions Canada's commitment to human rights and justice. Efforts to seek justice in Bangladesh have been complicated by a political vendetta claim raised by Nur Chowdhury, who denies his involvement in the assassination. Despite being convicted and sentenced to death, legal complexities, including Canada's opposition to capital punishment, have protected him from deportation.
The Canadian Connection and the Stalled Pursuit of Justice
The final part of the podcast focuses on Nur Chowdhury's life in Canada and the complexities surrounding his deportation. Nurschoudry arrived in Canada after being recalled from his diplomatic posting in Hong Kong. Applying for refugee status, his claim was eventually denied, resulting in a deportation order in 2006. However, due to the risk of the death penalty and torture in Bangladesh, he has been protected by Canadian law. The Bangladesh government has sought negotiations with Canada to bring Chowdhury to justice, but talks have been stalled for years, leading to frustration on both sides. The Canadian Supreme Court may determine if this case qualifies as an exceptional circumstance that warrants deportation. Meanwhile, Bangladesh seeks closure and justice, as the wounds of Sheikh Mujib's assassination remain fresh 48 years later. The role of the Canadian government in finding a resolution is crucial, as Bangladeshis yearn for closure and the chance to move forward.
Nearly 50 years ago Nur Chowdhury was at the centre of an assassination and coup that killed Bangladesh’s first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was convicted by a court in Bangladesh, but now he lives in a Toronto suburb. Mark Kelley, co-host of CBC’s The Fifth Estate, shares his investigation into why the Canadian government still hasn’t deported Chowdhury to face justice.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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