Editorial: We must stay calm and celebrate the victory of people

Amidst ongoing protests and unrest in Bangladesh, political leaders have urged demonstrators to maintain peace and avoid violence. The movement, which initiated the nationwide protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has now shifted its focus to the formation of an interim government. Student leaders who won the victory by ousting the 15-year long fascist dictator regime ask the citizens not to loot, and attack public property and religious minorities.
In the newsroom we have received several news reports of arson attacks on the defeated political regime, police stations, religious minorities and widespread looting of public properties. Along with the student leaders, leaders of BNP and Jamaat also asked countrymen to celebrate the victory remaining un-harmful for others. It is witnessed that engraved people looted Ganobhaban, Awami League offices, media houses, and properties which is totally unacceptable. We condemn such atrocities and ask the people to stay calm, protect properties and be supportive for others.
In an announcement of the interim government by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has been met with cautious optimism by the student movement. While hailing the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a partial victory, the movement insists on the complete dismantling of the “fascist system” before declaring final success. The movement has outlined its vision for the interim government, which includes representation from various sectors of society, excluding those who supported the previous administration. As the protests continue, the student leaders have vowed to maintain a strong presence on the streets until their demands are fully met. They have also pledged to investigate all deaths and atrocities that occurred during the unrest.
We must build the country unitedly and should not allow any vested quarter to destroy the harmony of the country. We are reiterating our call to all people to stay calm and celebrate the victory of people by engaging with all.