Jewel Chowdhury, Habiganj/

In Shaistaganj, the sanctity of the slaughterhouse is being destroyed due to careless neglect. There is no one to see. Only a signboard with a few paved pillars and a star demarcating the abattoir. No monument has been erected yet. But now even though there are mature pillars, there is no star fence.

It is known that in 1971, a sad memorial of the massacre by Pak invading forces has been engraved in this slaughter ground next to the railway junction of the upazila. Here Pak army killed 11 people including freedom fighters from different places including Lalchand tea garden and gave mass grave. They are Rajkumar Goala, Lal Sadhu, Krishna Bauri Member, Deepak Bauri, Mahadev Bauri, Anu Mia, Sunil Bauri, Nepu Bauri, Rajendra Roy, Gaur Roy and Bhuvan Bauri. Among them, only Anu Mia was a Muslim. All the martyrs were residents of Lalchand tea garden in Chunarughat upazila.

Locals say that it is the responsibility and duty of the Bengali nation to give due respect to these martyrs. In view of that, this slaughterhouse of Shaistaganj is being deprived of proper status and respect to a large extent. Independence Day, Victory Day is only cleaned when it comes. No permanent action is taken. This created anger among the freedom fighters.

It can be seen on the ground that Shaistaganj slaughterhouse is adjacent to the railway line, so there is no way to go there except by crossing the railway line. Under the management of the municipality, a paved road has been constructed from the Shaistaganj-Habiganj road to facilitate travel to the village, but there is a CNG stand on the side of that road. There is no environment for people to move through this road. Moreover, as there are slums nearby, urinals and toilets are made in that place along with piles of garbage.

This slaughter ground was fenced with stars to preserve it. Which is no more. As a result, the slaughterhouse is still in an unprotected state. Despite repeatedly telling the authorities, the work is being done without taking any action, the message of hope is being heard that it will be done.