Let’s unite to protect nation’s sovereignty
FROM PAGE 1
“Our blood has not dried. The writings on the walls, which you see every day while coming and going, have not been erased; they are still raw and burning. That fire still burns within our hearts as well.”
Prof Yunus said, “It seems our freedom and independence are not sitting well with some people. Various efforts are being made to stall our progress. Since August 5, you’ve witnessed how it has been unfolding.
“Now, they are trying again, in new ways. The situation we are currently facing is why this meeting has been called.”
Prof Yunus said, “The Bangladesh we are aiming to build is being overshadowed by a fabricated narrative. They are relentlessly outlining a different version of our country.”
He said it was not limited to just one country. It has spread to certain major global powers.
“Since our great uprising has displeased some, they want to erase it … . We must unite to prove their falsehood and establish the truth.
“We must tell the world that we are united… We have called you here to discuss how we can move forward collectively. There is no room for missteps in this process.”
Amid demonstrations in the capital and different districts over the attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Prof Yunus on Tuesday began a series of dialogues.
He met leaders of student organisations against discrimination on Tuesday evening and announced that he would hold talks with major political parties yesterday and religious groups today.
Delegations of several political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, were present yesterday. The Awami League and the Jatiya Party were not invited.
Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, in his welcome speech at the dialogue, told the party leaders that the meeting was called to seek their opinions on three issues: the ongoing propaganda against Bangladesh in India and other parts of the world, the attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, and the recent false allegations of attacks on minorities.
After the meeting, Law Adviser Prof Nazrul told reporters that consensus was established regarding anti-Bangladesh activities in India, the attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, and India’s interference into Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
He said the parties advised the government to accelerate its efforts to counter the misinformation campaigns. If necessary, the government can seek the support of expatriates, friendly countries, and bring foreign media and journalists to Bangladesh.
The parties also recommended improving the government’s communication and legal capabilities and establishing a public relations cell.
Several parties proposed forming a minority commission to investigate alleged attacks on minorities and uncover the truth, Prof Nazrul added.
The leaders strongly condemned India’s economic and cultural aggression, its attempts to dominate Bangladesh, and its interference in Bangladesh’s internal matters.
“There is no room to see Bangladesh as a weak country ... We vow to uphold national unity at all costs and stand united against such misinformation and attacks in the future,” said Prof Nazrul.
The party leaders also proposed holding a grand rally or national political council with participation from all parties to demonstrate the country’s unity against the propaganda campaign.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, “We have spoken to the interim government about the election. This government is committed to restoring the rights of the people. Therefore, we have urged them to quickly implement necessary reforms and present a roadmap for the election.
“If the people get a roadmap and focus on the election, the conspiracies we are witnessing now will no longer be possible,” he added.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said his party would work with the government to counter the propaganda against the country.
“We will not fall into anyone’s trap. We will not bow to anyone, nor will we cross any limits. I hope you will hear good news within a couple of days.
“We despise extremism, no matter where it comes from.”
Jamaat demanded the government talk to India and present specific proposals to stop the propaganda.
Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said, “A resolution has been passed, which includes discussions on whether a symbolic show of unity can be demonstrated in Bangladesh.”
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said they also asked the government to review all agreements signed with India and cancel those that go against the interests of Bangladesh.
Junaid Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, said, “We told the government that it must fight misinformation with accurate information.”
Ganatantra Mancha Coordinator Saiful Huq said, “We asked the government to give a clear message that if India seeks to destabilise Bangladesh and jeopardise its security, India’s security will also be at risk.”
Maulana Abdur Rab Yousufi, vice-president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, urged the government to temporarily halt travel between Bangladesh and India.
Ashraf Ali Akon, presidium member of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, called for action against individuals working against the country’s interests.
He proposed confronting India in the same way countries like the Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Pakistan did.
Fakhrul Islam, secretary general of Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan, said, “To protect Bangladesh’s image, all ambassadors around the world should be informed, and steps should be taken in consultation with them.”
Jahangir Hossain, joint secretary general of Khelafat Majlish, said they had expressed their commitment to work with the government.
Leaders of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Gonotrantrik Bam Oikya, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Amar Bangladesh, Jatiyatabadi Samamana Jote, 12-party alliance, Gantantra Manch, National Democratic Movement, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Khelafat Majlish, and Jatiya Nagorik Committee attended the meeting among others.