FROM PAGE 3

bulldozers, along with other structures that were destroyed and set on fire... As citizens of a civilised country, we are deeply saddened, shocked, and ashamed.”

“We demand a thorough investigation and justice; but to whom should we voice our demands? The institutions responsible for maintaining law and order have either acted as silent spectators or have been completely inactive.”

The statement added, “Any form of public incitement to violence will only encourage the sabotage efforts of the supporters of fascism and their international sponsors... All incidents that have already occurred should be brought under the law and investigated properly for accountability.”

They said the demolition of Dhanmondi 32 has nothing to do with the current movement against fascism. It would be perceived by people as an incitement to violence. This undermines the spirit of the movement against fascism or dictatorship.

It is a matter of deep concern that a section of the youth, whom we believe to be the main force in rebuilding our future, may be manipulated by domestic or foreign evil forces. It is essential to investigate this aspect in light of the recent events, the statement added.

The signatories are Sultana Kamal, Rasheda K Chowdhury, Anu Muhammad, Khushi Kabir, Parveen Hasan, Iftekharuzzaman, Shamsul Huda, Sara Hossain, Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar Ahmed, Subrata Chowdhury, Nur Khan, Shahnaz Huda, Nova Ahmed, Jobeda Nasrin, Mohammad Selim Hossain, Shah-e-Mobin Jinnah, Zakir Hossain, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Monindra Kumar Nath, Saeed Ahmed, Minhajul Haque Chowdhury, Ashraf Ali, Shahadat Alam, Rezaul Haque, Hana Shams Ahmed, and Mukta Shree Chakma.

Meanwhile in a statement, TIB described the acts of violence as “unusual” and criticised the government for not preventing such incidents.

The anti-corruption watchdog warned that the emerging situation poses risks to democratic transition, good governance, and state stability. They urged the government to play an active role in controlling and preventing further unrest rather than merely issuing statements.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, “There is no way to deny that dictator Sheikh Hasina, accused of committing mass killing, and her aides did the most irreplaceable damage to Bangabandhu, the Liberation War, and the spirit of the Liberation War during authoritarian rule driven by endless lust for partisanship and dynasticism.

“The anger among the country’s masses, who have suffered from widespread rights violations, has risen significantly due to the shameless and conspiratorial propaganda spread by exiled Sheikh Hasina and her local and foreign allies. Yet, the countrywide revengeful vandalism and violence, shunning the path of lawful reaction, cannot be acceptable at all.”

He added, “Although there was pre-announcement of a violent programme, law enforcement agencies, along with the army as a supportive force, or the government have shown alarming nonchalance in controlling the situation or taking preventive measures. Trying to avoid responsibility later by issuing a statement describing the incident as ‘unexpected and unintended’ is also noticeable.”

Meanwhile, the BLAST statement read, “It is important to note that the killings of July-August 2024 are currently under trial, while those injured are still awaiting necessary treatment and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has yet to take responsibility for her government’s autocratic actions, rights violations, and the mass killings.”

BLAST called for a prompt investigation and trial of the July-August killings, as well as adequate treatment and rehabilitation for the injured.

On the incidents of vandalism and arson, it said, “The failure to maintain law and order has led to widespread chaos and violence across the country. The police have failed to take timely preventive measures, and these organised attacks are deeply concerning.

BLAST urged the interim government to direct law enforcement agencies to take effective measures to prevent such destructive activities, violence, and chaos, the statement added.