Govt urges all citizens to resist violence
Staff Reporter :
Amid the evolving situation, the Interim Government has urged all citizens of the country to resist all forms of mob violence committed by a few fringe elements.
We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties, the government said in a statement on Friday.
“This is a critical moment in our nation’s history when we are making a historic democratic transition.
We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those few who thrive on chaos and reject peace,” the statement said.
The upcoming elections and referendum are not merely political exercises. They are a solemn national commitment.
This promise is inseparable from the dream for which Saheed Sharif Osman Hadi gave his life.
Honoring his sacrifice and memory demands restraint, responsibility, and abiding commitment to reject hatred.
To the journalists of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age: we stand with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured.
“The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terror. Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. We promise you full justice,” the government said.
We wholeheartedly condemn lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. There is no space for such violence in new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared.
At this critical hour, we call upon every citizen to honor shaheed Hadi by rejecting and resisting violence, incitement and hatred.
Earlier on Thursday night, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus telephoned the editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following the brutal attack on the offices of the two newspapers.
Expressing deep sympathy to Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, the Chief Adviser said, “This unwanted and reprehensible attack on your institutions and journalists has deeply pained me.
The government stands by you in this difficult time.” The Chief Adviser said that the attack on two of the country’s leading media organisations amounts to an attack on the free press.
Such an incident, he added, poses a serious obstacle to the country’s democratic progress and to independent journalism.
During the telephone conversation, the Chief Adviser assured the editors of full security for them and their news organisations, as well as all necessary support. He also informed them that he would meet the editors in person very soon.
The interim government came up with the statements following vandalism and arson attack on two media houses – Daily Star and Prothom Alo – in the capital.
As soon as the death news of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha and July revolutionary, came to Bangladesh from Singapore where he was under treatment after being shot by assailant in Dhaka, tens of thousands of people came to the street to vent demonstration demanding justice for the killing of him. At one stage few fringe elements vandalised and set fire on the media houses.
Following his death, Dr Yunus in a televised address on Thursday night sincerely appeal to all citizens of the country to maintain patience and restraint.
“Allow the law enforcement agencies and the relevant authorities to conduct the investigation professionally. The state remains fully committed to establishing the rule of law,” he said.
He also announced a one-day state mourning on Saturday. He also said the government will take full responsibility for the care of martyr Osman Hadi’s wife and his only child.
He concluded by saying not to fall into the traps of those who seek to destabilise the country, let us all move forward together with unwavering steps toward establishing democracy, justice, and the rights of the people. “This will be our true tribute to martyr Hadi,” he said.