Summary:
- Fifty prominent citizens in Bangladesh have issued a statement supporting national unity amidst political changes following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
- The statement condemns misinformation and violence, particularly the murder of a lawyer in Chittagong, and calls for restraint and unity.
- It warns against communal violence, emphasizing that perpetrators do not represent any community or faith.
- The signatories urge all Bangladeshis to maintain unity across religious and political lines to rebuild the nation.
In a significant development for Bangladesh’s political landscape, fifty prominent citizens have issued a statement in support of national unity amid ongoing political and social challenges. This declaration comes in the wake of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure following a historic student-led uprising on August 5, 2024, which led to the formation of an interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The statement, shared by Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to the chief adviser of the interim government, emphasizes the need for unity across all sectors of society to address critical reforms. These reforms are deemed essential for restoring trust in state institutions, revitalizing the economy, and ensuring a democratic transition. The signatories highlight the spread of misinformation and incitement to violence by remnants of the previous regime as significant threats to national cohesion.
The backdrop to this call for unity includes heightened communal tensions, particularly following the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges. This incident sparked violent clashes in Chittagong, resulting in the death of a Muslim lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif. The statement condemns such violence and calls for a thorough investigation into Alif’s murder, urging restraint and patience among all democratic forces to prevent further escalation.
The statement also addresses concerns about misinformation campaigns that exaggerate and fabricate reports of minority oppression in Bangladesh. It warns that these narratives could exacerbate communal tensions and undermine national security. The signatories assert that any communal violence would discredit false propaganda against Bangladesh and stress that perpetrators do not represent any community or faith.
Among those endorsing the statement are notable figures such as Dr. Rumi Ahmed Khan, Dr. Shamaruh Mirza, Dr. Shafikur Rahman, and Nazia Ahmed. They collectively call for all Bangladeshis to maintain national unity regardless of religious, political, or ideological differences.
This appeal for unity is set against a backdrop of political instability following Hasina’s ouster. The interim government faces challenges such as economic recovery and addressing communal tensions while preparing for future elections. The international community is closely monitoring these developments as Bangladesh navigates this critical period in its history.
Source: Daily Iqlab
