They were both active, conscientious, thinking citizens. Both were passionate about social issues, and were gifted—one had a penchant for writing, the other for drawing cartoons. Both were tech-savvy and loved sharing their views on social media, banding together to set up a digital platform proudly titled "I am Bangladeshi". Both were under the belief that as citizens of a democratic country, they were relatively free to express their views and had the protection of the constitution and the law. Unfortunately, as events would reveal, they were both sadly mistaken on that count. When the time came, the facade of protection crumbled. One had to pay the ultimate price, as his soul, yearning for freedom, sneaked out of the prison van; the other now languishes in severe bodily pain, mourning his comrade who promised him company to see the Everest after "they get out and get fit".