Engr. Mosharraf’s wife sends a letter to CA Yunus

Ayesha Sultana, wife of former minister and freedom fighter Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, has issued an open letter to Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, appealing for her husband’s release from jail due to health concerns. Mosharraf Hossain, aged 82, a seven-time MP and a Presidium member of the Awami League, was detained by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch at his Bashundhara residence on October 27.

Sultana expressed that her husband, once a scout under Yunus’ leadership at Chattogram Collegiate School, has been accused in a baseless case with malicious intent. The murder case, filed at Paltan police station on December 7, 2022, places him in Dhaka while he was actually in Cox's Bazar. She noted that several cases dating back three to ten years have been filed hastily in recent days, which she believes were fabricated.

She described her husband's deteriorating health over recent years. After a major hip surgery at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) resulted in complications, he is now unable to walk unaided. His wheelchair was also left behind during his arrest. His physical condition has been further strained by Parkinson's disease, interstitial lung disease, and post-COVID-19 complications, leading to frequent falls and breathing difficulties. Specialists from the U.S. and Bangladesh have recommended immediate treatment to address his Parkinson's, interstitial lung disease, and other health issues, which also include diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues, and early dementia.

"We supervise his medication and diet with the help of two full-time assistants," Sultana noted. She shared the stress and fear she faces at age 73 after decades of shared struggle and sacrifice in independent Bangladesh.

Recalling her husband’s contributions, she noted how he defended Chittagong and its residents during the Liberation War by destroying the Subhapur Bridge to halt Pakistani forces. As a dedicated leader, he prioritized public welfare over party politics. His numerous initiatives include the preservation of agricultural land, establishment of the National Housing Authority, and the creation of the Mirsharai Economic Zone, an ambitious project poised to employ 3 million people.

Sultana also reflected on her family’s sacrifice, saying, "My children and I rarely experienced his presence at home; he devoted his life to the country’s development. After his retirement, we saw him more often, but now, even in this phase, we feel captive."

She highlighted that, despite having the chance to go abroad during the 1/11 changeover, Mosharraf chose to stay and was detained for 19 months without formal charges. Now, facing new pressures, he has still chosen to remain in Bangladesh, respecting the rule of law.

Addressing Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus, Sultana concluded, "I trust that under your leadership, the government will not permit false cases, illegal detentions, and harassment."