Violence continues to erupt in Dhaka as protesters loyal to late Naqil Mancho leader Sharif Usman Hadi hold protests. On Friday, activists demonstrated at Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection demanding justice for the late leader, triggering a new wave of protests.
Anti-India slogans were also raised by the protesters, demanding the removal of the interim government and the formation of a “revolutionary government”, BDNews24 reported.
After a night of violent unrest in which the offices of media outlets such as the Daily Star and Prothom Alo were targeted, protesters vented their anger on the partially demolished house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Amid unrest across the country following the death of Osman Hadi, Inquilab Moncho urged the public to desist from the violence, vandalism and arson that has spread across the country.
“Through destruction and arson, some groups aim to make Bangladesh an ineffective state. They want to undermine the independence and sovereignty of our country. You have to understand that 32 and 36 are not the same,” the organization said in a post on Facebook late Thursday night.
The post further read, “As the February elections approach, consider who will really benefit from creating unrest in the country. To maintain stability in Bangladesh, cooperate fully with the government and avoid violence.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s interim government led by Mohammad Yunus on Friday issued its first reaction to the ongoing unrest in the country, urging people to oppose acts of mob violence.
It said it “strongly and unequivocally” condemns all forms of violence, intimidation, arson and destruction of property, and warned that such acts threaten to derail the country’s democratic process. The government urges all citizens of Bangladesh to oppose all forms of mob violence, which it said has been perpetrated by some anti-social elements.
“We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson and destruction of property,” the interim government said in a statement on Friday.
Highlighting the country’s ongoing democratic transition, the statement said, “This is a critical moment in our country’s history. We cannot and must not let it be derailed by the few who thrive on anarchy and reject peace.”
The government also stressed the importance of the upcoming elections and referendum, calling them “not a mere political exercise, but a serious national commitment”.
It further said, “This promise is inseparable from the dream for which Martyr Sharif Usman Hadi sacrificed his life. Honoring his sacrifice requires restraint, responsibility and a firm commitment to reject hatred.”
Expressing support for the journalists, the government said, “To the journalists of 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 resilience in the face of terror. Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. We promise to get you full justice.”
The statement also condemned the recent lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh and said, “There is no place for such violence in the new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared.”
“We strongly condemn the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. There is no place for such violence in the new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared,” the statement said.
It further said, “At this critical time, we call on every citizen to honor the martyr Hadi by rejecting and opposing violence, incitement and hatred.”
