“I couldn't bear it anymore; In the torture of the prison, I could understand - ‘I am going crazy’. I then decided, ‘I will kill myself’. But before that, it is necessary to tell the outside people about this torture. But I was not allowed to talk to anyone outside or inside the jail. I was kept in the death row cell for 6 consecutive months. I forgot to speak without speaking. Times passed within the four walls of a ten feet by fifteen feet room. 'Reported' was written in front of the cell. No one even walked in front of my cell. Many times I tried to commit suicide by banging my head against the wall. But I couldn't.” This is how Bin Yamin Mollah, the president of Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, sharing his experience of indescribable torture. 

Born on December 26, 1997, in Nageshwari Upazila of Kurigram District, Bin Yamin is the youngest and only son of Rafiqul Islam Molla and mother Hasina Begum. He has completed his Dakhil from Sunnah Tengra Dakhil Madrasa, Jatrabari, in the capital in 2012 and completed his higher secondary education at Uttara Rajuk Model College in 2014. Subsequently, he enrolled in the public administration department of Dhaka University as an undergraduate in the academic year 2014-15. Despite completing his graduation in 2018, he couldn't pursue his post-graduation due to various political cases and attacks. Currently, Bin Yameen is pursuing post-graduation in the public administration department at DU.

He shared details of the political cases, attacks, and prison torture he experienced with Bangla Outlook's Dhaka correspondent.

Bangla Outlook: What prompted your entry into politics?

Bin Yamin: My journey began when I enrolled in Sir F Rahman Hall during my first year at the university. As ordinary students, we were compelled to participate in BCL marches and meetings to retain residence in the hall. I found this situation distressing from the outset, viewing it as a blight on the country's politics. The time students should devote to their studies was wasted in endless meetings. Since then, I harboured a conviction that if an opportunity arose to initiate a movement—one that would yield benefits for the common people and students—I would wholeheartedly join such a cause. There was a rationale behind this aspiration; wherever I went as a Dhaka University student, ordinary people held me in high regard. They sought my opinions, implicitly placing me in positions of leadership. Their affection and support ignited a desire to effect positive change if given the chance. That opportunity presented itself on February 17, 2018, during the quota reform movement. As the movement progressed, and Nurul Haque Noor, Md. Rashed Khan and Hasan Al Mamun, among others, suffered injuries or were incarcerated; I stepped into a leadership role. We also participated in the DUCSU elections, and almost all of our panellists secured resounding victories. Despite the Vice President and Social Services Secretary announcing results in our favour, other positions were unfairly denied, and the actual outcome was withheld.

Bangla Outlook: How did your transition into a political party come about within the context of the movement?

Bin Yamin: As the movement gained momentum, we engaged in discussions with senior leaders of the quota reform movement. It prompted me to ponder: what next? Would we immerse ourselves solely in our careers—some becoming bankers, others corporate executives, BCS cadre, businessmen, or teachers? Or should we chart a different course? I proposed that while we could pursue various paths, actual national development necessitated breaking free from the shackles of muscle power and corrupt politics. Though we often criticized existing political parties, it dawned on us that it was incumbent upon us to establish a model student organization and political party, rallying the ordinary people. It was a challenge we were prepared to undertake. Just as those who fought in the 1971 Liberation War selflessly sacrificed for the nation's future, we too resolved to dedicate ourselves to politics, irrespective of personal consequences. Thus, we began sowing the seeds of our political aspirations, announcing the formation of a student organization named Chhatra Odhikar Parishad at Dhaka University's Battala. I assumed the presidency of the Dhaka University branch's presidency, marking our political journey's inception. Over time, our vision expanded to include youth, labour, and professional organizations. Eventually, we established a core group comprising senior members of society. Why did we, as students, venture into forming a political party? Various factors influenced this decision. At the time, existing political parties seemed ineffective in addressing injustice and irregularities. In contrast, we were able to mobilize protests across university campuses. Subsequently, academics, intellectuals, and influential media figures offered guidance and support, laying the foundation for our political movement. And so, our journey continues.

Bangla Outlook: Did you find this journey to be straightforward?

Bin Yamin: No, not at all. The path of youthful struggle, this journey through the tumult of student life, was anything but easy. We encountered numerous obstacles, each requiring painstaking effort to surmount. Our movement faced attacks on multiple occasions. Presently, I am entangled in 10 legal cases, necessitating my presence in court for about 7 to 10 days every month. During the quota reform movement, I was subjected to an attack and subsequently required medical treatment. In 2020, amid the anti-Modi movement, I was arrested along with 56 of our leaders and workers, leading to a six-month stint in jail. Compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, this period of incarceration was particularly isolating, with no opportunity for social interaction. Despite these challenges, upon assuming the presidency of the central committee of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad on February 17, 2023, our programme was met with brutality. BCL leaders and workers mercilessly assaulted us at DU's TSC, leaving me bloodied from numerous blows with a GI pipe, my nose and mouth swollen and cracked, and my stomach subjected to kicks. Nonetheless, I refused to yield. I vowed that even if it meant sacrificing my life, even if the verdant lawns of the university were stained with blood, even if the streets were awash with turmoil, I would remain steadfast in my commitment to this institution and the student movement.

Bangla Outlook: What were the consequences of the TSC attack for you?

Bin Yamin: Following the attack, I was unable to receive treatment at Dhaka Medical College. Despite the police's attempts to arrest me, they were unsuccessful. I sought treatment covertly at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital. Dr. Zafarullah intervened, urging law enforcement not to apprehend me at the public health facility. Fortunately, I managed to survive that ordeal. I remained hospitalized there for approximately two weeks (15 days). However, my involvement in the anti-Modi movement led to my subsequent arrest.

Bangla Outlook: What led to your predicament?

Bin Yamin: I was en route to North Badda after a meeting with Nurul Haque, former VP of DUCSU, in Gulshan. Suddenly, law enforcement officials apprehended our car's driver and forcibly stopped us in front of Daily Shopping in North Badda. They forcefully opened the car door and attempted to drag us out. Realizing that seeking refuge inside the shopping mall was futile, we resisted their efforts. However, the situation escalated, and they subjected me to physical assault. Eventually, they handcuffed me and forcefully ushered me into their vehicle, transporting me to the DB office. It's worth noting that this incident occurred on the very day the first coronavirus lockdown was implemented.

Bangla Outlook: What conditions did you encounter at the DB office?

Bin Yamin: During that period, the temperature in Bangladesh soared to around 36 to 38 degrees Celsius. The cell where I was confined lacked ventilation and windows, with no fan to alleviate the oppressive heat. The overcrowded space was teeming with individuals ranging from drug addicts to thieves and robbers, creating an extremely unsanitary environment. There was barely room to sit, and the floor was drenched with sweat in the oppressive heat. Whenever we were brought in for remand, approximately 17-20 people would be crammed into the cell at once. Sleep was elusive, and even finding a place to sit was a luxury. Typically, only 4-5 individuals could stand at any given time, while others took turns lying down for brief rest periods. It felt as though the DB cell was akin to hell on earth.

Bangla Outlook: Were you subjected to physical abuse?

Bin Yamin: No, but every moment was fraught with anxiety, fearing potential torture. Even the oppressive atmosphere within the cell felt comparatively peaceful during the interrogations, as it offered a respite from the anticipation of being subjected to torture in the name of questioning. I couldn't help but hope that if taken for remand, I might at least experience some relief in the form of cooler air.

Bangla Outlook: What transpired during the remand?

Bin Yamin: The interrogator, sporting a black top hat-like hat, would handcuff my hands and suspend them from a high rod for periods ranging from half an hour to an hour, leaving my feet dangling without touching the ground, forcing me to bear my weight on my thumbs alone. The interrogations varied in nature. Disappointingly, they would mockingly question, "You, a university student, clad in 50 taka shoes and a 150 taka shirt, dare to venture into politics to bring about change in the country?" They would further taunt, "Do you have wealthy relatives? Do you possess any money? If you get arrested and end up in jail, who will bail you out?" Such insults were commonplace. They also subjected me to beatings with thick cane sticks on my hands and feet, causing me to cry out in agony. Unable to endure the torture for a long, I eventually broke down. Subsequently, they probed me about various matters, including the source of funding for our activities and details about my interactions with entities such as the American Embassy.

Bangla Outlook: Did they say anything else during this ordeal?

Bin Yamin: During subsequent days, they continued to handcuff and suspend me with iron rods, menacingly suggesting that I was being prepared for execution. They issued ultimatums, demanding compliance with their directives or facing dire consequences, implying that my life was at stake. This torment persisted over a total of 6 days, with varying durations of remand: initially 3 days, followed by 2 days, and ultimately 1 more day at the DB office. The same brutal tactics were employed throughout. Ultimately, I endured 6 agonizing months of imprisonment.

Bangla Outlook: Did you face further arrests following this?

Bin Yameen: Yes, my most recent arrest occurred on August 2, 2023, at midnight. I had addressed a gathering organized by the Chatro Adhikar Parishad at Dhaka University's Raju Bhaskar, advocating for greater student unity against fascism. During the event, I chanted "Stepdown Hasina" and announced a program on behalf of Chhatra Oikya Parishad in support of the 1-point agenda to overthrow the government and reinstate people's voting rights. Prior to this, I had engaged in discussions with various student organizations across Bangladesh for 4 to 5 months, deliberating on the historical responsibility of student society and exploring avenues to combat fascism. Subsequently, I announced the program. Simultaneously, we declared a rally to protest the arrest of 24 BUET students in Tanguar Haor, the killing of Hafez Kausar at an Awami League peace rally, and the suppression of opposition political figures. Law enforcement authorities arrested me on the night of the program announcement.

Bangla Outlook: Describe the circumstances surrounding your arrest.

Bin Yamin: My arrest was orchestrated amidst the backdrop of a vengeful political climate in Bangladesh. However, they initially apprehended my elderly father—a move I was unaware of. Such a tactic is scarcely seen anywhere else in the world. While engaged in discussions with several leaders and activists, including Nurul Haque, the Central President of our Gono Adhikar, at our central office under the Zaman Tower, three HiS cars arrived abruptly, prompting suspicion of an impending arrest. Sensing the threat, I quickly gathered a few companions and sought refuge in Nurul Haque Noor's car. Snapping photographs, these cars followed us for a while before eventually departing. We then proceeded to Nurul Haque's residence. Shortly after, I received a distressing call from my mother, informing me that my father was missing. As the child of an ordinary family, the anxiety of having a parent involved in politics is profound. It dawned on me that my father had been taken away by the authorities. While at Nurul Haque's house, I decided to conduct a live stream on social media. Earlier that afternoon, I had received ominous messages from an unidentified number, warning me to refrain from engaging in university activism or anti-government initiatives. The messages threatened repercussions if I persisted, citing past events such as organizing BUET students' involvement in Tanguar Haor and coordinating programs with hundreds of students from Qoumi Madrasas at the National Press Club. They accused me of attempting to destabilize university campuses and claimed I had undergone militant training—messages that were subsequently deleted. It became apparent to me that a conspiracy was afoot, targeting not just me, but our entire team, with the aim of painting us as militants. Later that night, authorities raided Nurul Haque's house in a manner reminiscent of a robbery. Confusion ensued until they announced they were there to apprehend militants. I was subjected to physical assault, including blows to the head, before being handcuffed and whisked away to the DB office. En route, they criticized me, questioning my involvement in politics and threatening my life, insinuating an extended period of incarceration. During the journey, I caught a glimpse of my father seated behind the car, adding to the emotional turmoil of the moment.

Bangla Outlook: What transpired afterwards?

Bin Yamin: I was severely unwell, battling a fever. Upon arrival at the DB office, I endured prolonged interrogation, during which the Deputy Commissioner of the DB summoned me. I was made to stand for an extended period. Initially, two of my colleagues and my father were also detained in an attempt to coerce my surrender, but they were later released. The following day, I was presented in court and granted bail. However, I was swiftly implicated in a previous case related to the anti-Modi movement. With a warrant in hand, they promptly remanded me to jail.

Bangla Outlook: Describe your experience in prison. What were those days like?

Bin Yamin: Upon my arrival at the prison, I spent one day in Amdani and another in the ward. Subsequently, the jail superintendent summoned me to the case table for an inquiry. Shortly after, someone instructed me to follow them. I presumed I might be transferred to another facility, but instead, I was placed in cell number 12 on the ground floor of the Suryamukhi building. I was perplexed by this sudden change. While other inmates in adjacent cells were allowed an hour of outdoor time each morning and afternoon, I was denied such privileges. When I inquired, the prison clerk informed me that permission needed to be granted from higher authorities before I could be allowed outdoors. Days passed like this, with mornings seamlessly transitioning into afternoons while I remained confined indoors. After three days, the jail superintendent visited my cell. I expressed my confusion and frustration regarding my restricted movements, longing to walk outside or visit the library. However, he remained tight-lipped. One night, he appeared in front of my cell and reiterated his instruction for me to stay put. I attempted to appeal to our shared connection as former students of DU, but he insisted on my continued isolation. I was effectively placed in solitary confinement and prohibited from any communication or interaction with others. The jail superintendent emphasized that I was under constant surveillance via CCTV cameras positioned above me on both sides, underscoring the gravity of my situation. He made it clear that while he sympathized with my plight, his hands were tied, and I had no choice but to endure my confinement.

Bangla Outlook: Why didn't you try again?

Bin Yamin: Gradually, I realized that I was ensnared in solitary confinement. As I listened to the instructions from the authorities, the extent of the punishment I was enduring dawned on me. I was confined to a 10ft by 15ft room resembling a grave, with no respite, locked up round the clock.

Bangla Outlook: What were your thoughts during this ordeal?

Bin Yamin: I felt like I was buried alive, devoid of any means to communicate with the outside world, completely cut off from society. I felt utterly isolated inside that suffocating room, infested with mosquitoes and bed bugs and plagued by constant itching. The absence of sunlight and fresh air compounded the sense of despair. Nights were tormenting as I wrestled with the relentless assault of mosquitoes and itching, unable to find respite. Moreover, I was denied access to a PC card, a privilege afforded to other prisoners. The writing "Report" above my cell only intensified my feelings of alienation, as such inscriptions typically adorn the cells of serious offenders. While other inmates in the building were allowed some freedom of movement, I was unjustly deprived of even that essential liberty. As an ordinary student and political activist, I felt this treatment was particularly unjust.

Bangla Outlook: What other challenges did you face?

Bin Yameen: There came a point where I began to lose my sanity amidst this ordeal. I would often feel as if I were already dead, severed from the world of the living. The physical toll was immense—I could barely rise from my bed as my veins grew rigid, rendering movement excruciatingly painful. When I attempted to sleep, I was besieged by hallucinations: it felt as though an unseen force in black garb was throttling me, dragging me by my legs. It was a terrifying ordeal—I couldn't sleep, yet I couldn't bear the thought of remaining awake. At times, I contemplated screaming, banging my head against the wall until it cracked, or even ending it all by hanging myself. The mental anguish became unbearable, and I reached a breaking point.

Bangla Outlook: Did you face any other challenges?

Bin Yameen: Previously, I had been articulate in speech, but the prolonged solitary confinement took a toll on my mental well-being. Months passed in isolation, and I found myself unable to engage in conversation as I once could. I began to stutter, struggling to recall memories or articulate thoughts coherently. The torture inflicted upon me elicited cries of anguish from fellow prisoners, yet none were permitted to approach me.

Bangla Outlook: Did you attempt to reach out to the prison authorities or anyone else for help?

Bin Yameen: At one point, I reached a harrowing decision—I contemplated suicide. However, I found myself unable to vocalize this distress to anyone. It wasn't until a month later that I was permitted to meet my parents, under the watchful eye of SB personnel. Even then, such meetings were allowed only once every 15 days and solely with my parents. During a court appearance, I attempted to communicate by writing a letter and placing it in my father's pocket, expressing my plight to the court. However, I was instructed to formally submit the matter in writing for consideration by the High Court. While descending from the court, I attempted to convey a message to a colleague, but the police intervened, obstructing my efforts. Nonetheless, I managed to convey some information, which garnered attention. Subsequently, a writ was filed in the High Court regarding this incident. As a result, three judges were dispatched to investigate the matter on January 16, 2024.

Bangla Outlook: How did you eventually gain release from prison?

Bin Yamin: Describing what occurred that day is beyond words. I was transferred to the prison tower, where typically two criminals are detained in shackles. It was the Rupsa cell. Perplexed, I asked the clerk why I was brought there. He explained that judges were coming to see me, hence my placement on the 6th floor. I was instructed to inform the judges of my situation upon meeting them. This was their way of concealing me. During court appearances, neither my parents nor my lawyers were notified. When questioned about my legal representation, I remained silent. Furthermore, new cases were continually filed against me, preventing any chance of bail. Even when granted bail for one case, another was promptly filed. I was denied bail four times before finally being released on February 29 after approximately seven months of imprisonment.

Bangla Outlook: Did you receive medical treatment after your release? What did the doctors say?

Bin Yameen: Following my discharge, I sought treatment at the Department of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Dermatology at BSMMU. After examinations, the psychiatry and neurology specialists diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and prescribed medication, along with counselling. They emphasized that this condition could persist indefinitely without proper treatment and counselling. I now experience difficulty in speaking, as extended conversation causes my ears and neck to heat up. I can no longer articulate myself as I once could, and even brief discussions leave me feeling dizzy, with dimming vision and a tendency to collapse.

Bangla Outlook: Have you faced any other forms of oppression?

Bin Yamin: I fear two things: firstly, the possibility of further internal instructions, attempts on my life, or efforts to drive me insane, akin to the torture I endured in prison. Secondly, I worry whether I was subjected to any form of medication through food. Despite my release from prison, I remain under their control, and I fear for my safety at all times.

Bangla Outlook: Will you continue your involvement in politics?

Bin Yamin: Since I embarked on my political journey with a sense of duty, I intend to persevere in fighting for the people with patriotism and honesty. Despite the torture I endured in jail and the pressure exerted on me and my family regarding my participation in the 12th National Assembly elections, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serving the people. Although I could have potentially ended my ordeal by agreeing to their demands, I chose to live with the love and support of the people. It is their love that has brought me back from the brink of death, and it is with that love that I wish to continue my life and my political endeavours.

Bangla Outlook: Thank you.

Bin Yamin: I thank Bangla Outlook for standing alongside the people's struggle for liberation.