Speakers at a citizen s rally at the central Shaheed Minor yesterday expressed deep concern over the rising number ol criminal activities in the country. including terrorism, extortion, crimes, rape and repression on women.
They said that the entire society seems to have been taken hostage by a small number of criminals who are openly unleashing criminal activities and regretted that almost no one was being brought to book or being punished.
Hundreds of activists of different social organisations from the capital anil Its suburbs attended the rally organised by United Citizen Society (Oikyabadha Nagarik SamaJ). a newly floated citizens' front to express their determination free the society from poverty, terrorism. extortion, crime, fundamentalism and repression on women.
In his presidential speech, National Professor Kabir Chowdhury, the convener of the society, said that widespread terrorism and criminal activities throughout the country is threatening peace and security of life in general. He said, ' We want to build a a democratic society where there will be no terrorism and exploitation’.
Chowdhury also stressed on the need for development of women and children, as they are the main victims of repression. ""We will able to attain all our goals with more ease if they come forward and support us."
He called on the prime min-ister to take immediate action against tnnHs|s rapists and ci miitmls
Other participants condemned the government for not taking effective Initiatives to curb terrorism. They added that radical and communal forces are engaged In creating anarchy in the country In the name of religion and are openly identifying themselves as “Taliban' and daring to create another "Afghan" nation.
They called on both AL and opposition BNP not to compromise with religious fanatics for political purposes.
The members of different social organisations said that this ferocious" sector was hln-, dering education and develop-‘ment efforts in the country. They observed with concern that most of these criminals are affiliated to major political parties In some cases police are also patronising them.
Among others. Syed Shamsul Haq, Abed Khan. Knushi Kabir. AJav Ray, Hasanul Haq Inn. Abdul Mannan. Monjurul Ahsan Khan. Hashem Khan. Rowshan Zahan Shathi. Anwara Begum. Fatema Begum also addressed the rally.
They stressed on the alm to to establish rule of law in the society and build a nation in the light of the spirit of liberation war.
Later, the participants brought out a large procession from the Shaheed Minar premises and marched to (he Prime Ministers Office to submit a memorandum to her.