A group of 21 eminent personalities yesterday condemned "the recent killings of civilians and law enforcers and attacks on minorities by a quarter, which is leading the country towards conflict in the name of protesting the death sentence of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delawar Hossain Sayedee".

They expressed serious concern over the tension prevailing in the country.

Several rights and political organisations, in separate statements, also condemned the Jamaat-Shibir attacks and asked the authorities concerned to bring the perpetrators to book immediately.

At least 47 people, including several policemen, were killed and scores injured in waves of violence around the country in the last three days as Jamaat-Shibir activists clashed with law enforcers to protest the death penalty handed down by the International CrimesTribunal to Sayedee.

In a statement, the eminent personalities said the tribunal was formed upon the last 42 years' mass demand for trial of those who opposed the birth of Bangladesh and helped Pakistani army kill Bangalees.

Opposing the tribunal’s verdict amounts to opposing the Liberation War newly, they said. “Their activities are tantamount to denying the country's independence.”

The eminent citizens also condemned the attacks on worship centres and houses of minorities and urged the authorities concerned to investigate all the incidents and bring the perpetrators to book.

“We also hope that the government and all political parties, including the main opposition, will show tolerance and responsibility in their talks and behaviours. "

Prof Serajul Islam Chowdhury, Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Kamal Lohani, Sultana Kamal, Khushi Kabir, Sara Hossain, Prof Abul Barkat, Prof Sadeka Halim, Subrata Chowdhury, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Sanjeeb Drong, and Kajal Debnath signed the statement among others.

In a separate release, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote urged BNP chief Khaleda Zia to take responsibility of the situation created after her comments that "genocide is taking place in the country again”.

Ain o Salish Kendra and Bangladesh Shamajtanktrik Dal also issued statements of condemnation.