Abu Jakir :
The interim government, led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, is facing significant challenges from both local and international conspiracies, with issues concerning minority rights taking centre stage.
In response, fifty eminent citizens have issued a call for national unity to counter efforts by the ousted authoritarian leader Sheikh Hasina and her allies to destabilise the country.
The joint statement, released on Saturday by Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on his verified Facebook page, highlighted the historic mass uprising of August 5, which led to Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power and subsequent flight.
It described this moment as a turning point, paving the way for a new beginning under the Yunus-led interim administration, which has garnered widespread societal support.
The signatories outlined the nation’s immediate priorities, including restoring trust in state institutions, revitalising the economy, and implementing essential reforms to facilitate a democratic transition.
However, rising tensions around the Hindu minority issue have become a major challenge for the interim government.
Efforts to ensure the safety of minority communities have been met with accusations of conspiracies orchestrated by Hasina’s followers, who are allegedly using the minority issue to destabilise the nation.
In a proactive measure, Dr Yunus met with minority community leaders on August 13, including representatives from ISKCON, the Puja Celebration Council, and the Unity Council, to discuss security enhancements.
The meeting widely discussed on social media, explored proposals such as deploying madrasa students to guard temples during Durga Puja alongside increased security measures.
Despite these efforts, some minority leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response.
Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, a presidium member of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, criticised the delayed reaction to incidents of violence and alleged administrative lapses.
He warned that the government’s perceived instability could further endanger minority communities.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, has compounded the challenges faced by the Yunus government, straining diplomatic ties with India.
Allegations of minority persecution have led to reciprocal accusations between the two countries, with protests and social media campaigns escalating tensions.
Reports of vandalism and threats against minority communities in Bangladesh have exacerbated the situation.
In an effort to promote political unity, Dr Yunus recently met with leaders from major political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.
They pledged support in resisting all forms of local and international conspiracies.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that efforts were underway to falsely portray Bangladesh as a communal state and accused Hasina’s exiled forces in India of orchestrating incidents to destabilise the country.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and united against such conspiracies.
The joint statement from prominent citizens condemned recent violence, including the brutal murder of government prosecutor Saiful Islam in Chattogram on November 26.
The signatories demanded a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators, warning that retaliatory violence against minority communities could further destabilise the nation and strengthen narratives pushed by hostile forces.
The statement alleged that remnants of the ousted regime, with covert and overt support from foreign allies, were actively working to sow division and disinformation.
It suggested that evidence of Hasina’s involvement in the unrest would confirm her continued threat to national unity and security.
The signatories also cautioned against communal or political violence, warning that such actions could exacerbate the economic crisis inherited from Hasina’s regime. They noted that escalating tensions would deter critical domestic and foreign investments, undermining recovery efforts.
In conclusion, the statement called on all Bangladeshis, irrespective of religion or political ideology, to uphold national unity and solidarity. It emphasised the importance of vigilance, patience, and cooperation in navigating the challenges facing the nation.
The signatories urged all democratic forces to focus on rebuilding Bangladesh into a peaceful and prosperous country.
Among the notable signatories were Dr Rumi Ahmed Khan, coordinator of the Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network; Dr Shamaruh Mirza, founder of the Diaspora Alliance for Democracy; Dr Shafiqul Rahman, writer and activist; lawyer Ehteshamul Haque; economist Jyoti Rahman; and scientist Dr Faham Abdus Salam. Their collective appeal underscores the urgency of unity in overcoming the threats to the country’s stability.
