ছবি: The remains of soldiers are being exhumed by digging into the soil.
Comilla, Bangladesh – In a solemn and historic effort, the remains of 24 Japanese soldiers buried in the Mainamati War Cemetery are being repatriated to Japan, 81 years after their deaths during World War II. A seven-member forensic team, including six Japanese and one American expert, began the delicate task of exhumation on November 15. Among the discoveries was the skull of a 28-year-old soldier, bearing a bullet mark—a stark reminder of the brutality of war.
The Mainamati War Cemetery, located near the Comilla-Sylhet regional highway within the Comilla Cantonment, is the resting place of 737 soldiers from 13 nations who died between 1941 and 1945. Managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, this site preserves the memory of those who fought in World War II. The cemetery includes soldiers of various faiths—172 Muslims, 24 Buddhists, 2 Hindus, and the rest Christians. Nationalities include 357 from the United Kingdom, 171 from undivided India, 86 from West Africa, 56 from East Africa, 24 from Japan, and others from countries like Canada, Australia, and Belgium.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Kazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, a Freedom Award recipient, is assisting the Japanese delegation. He stated, "These graves are over eight decades old. While recovering intact remains is rare, we have managed to exhume skeletal fragments, including skulls and other bones, from graves at depths of three to six feet."
The forensic team’s work is meticulous and respectful. Over the past week, they have successfully exhumed the remains of 10 soldiers. By November 24, they aim to complete the retrieval process and prepare the remains for their journey back to Japan.
Country Administrator Abdur Rahim, representing the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, noted the cooperative effort with Japanese representatives. “The Japanese forensic team began work last Wednesday. Their task involves unearthing and preparing the remains of 24 soldiers for repatriation. This process is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.”
The cemetery holds annual commemorative events in November, where diplomats and representatives from Commonwealth nations pay tribute to the fallen. On November 9 this year, diplomats from 13 countries gathered to honor the soldiers buried at the site.
Notably, this is not the first instance of remains being repatriated from the cemetery. In 1962, the remains of a soldier, along with the soil from his grave, were sent to his family in the United States. The ongoing effort underscores the enduring importance of honoring the memories of those who served, even decades after their deaths.
The return of these remains to Japan highlights the universal human commitment to reconciliation, remembrance, and respect for those lost in the ravages of war.
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