Do Not Demand a ‘Second Independence’ If People Are Silenced

Condemning the persecution, torture, and arrest of freedom fighter Abdul Latif Siddiqui, Professor Hafizur Rahman Karzon, journalist Manjurul Alam Panna, and other patriotic voices in favor of the Liberation War, the leaders of Natundhara Bangladesh NDB have issued a statement.

In a press release sent on August 28, NDB Chairman Momin Mahadi, Presidium Member Bir Muktijoddha Fazlul Haque, Senior Vice Chairman Shanta Farjana, Vice Chairman Chandan Sengupta, and Organizing Secretary Wazed Rana called upon the July Movement activists and the interim government, saying: “Do not demand a ‘second independence’ if people are not allowed to speak. Independence means freedom for everyone to express their views and to organize political programs. It was precisely the denial of this right that led to the downfall of past governments. Therefore, let the people speak, let them carry out their programs.”

Momin Mahadi further said in the statement: “The attack and persecution even inside important institutions of journalists such as the Dhaka Reporters Unity proves the deterioration of the law-and-order situation under the government. If the Law Advisor or the Home Advisor fail to maintain law and order, they should resign and hand over responsibility to capable and competent persons. Yet above all, protect the country from violence. We believe that instead of arresting hundreds of terrorists, they are being sheltered and patronized. The situation makes it seem as though we have returned to the age of ignorance (Jahiliyya). Is it not tyranny and fascism to instruct newspapers not to publish reports of rape and murder, and to turn TV talk shows into platforms for the insolence of immature youths? We are trapped—unable to live, unable to die—caught in the grip of one tyranny after trying to escape another. Immediately release freedom fighter Abdul Latif Siddiqui, Professor Hafizur Rahman Karzon, journalist Manjurul Alam Panna, and all others who have been arrested without condition.”