In a clarion call amid nighttime unrest, the post-uprising government urges citizens to resist "mob violence" as it warns acts of intimidation, arson and lynching threaten to derail Bangladesh's fragile democratic transition.
In a statement released Friday following overnight ordeals, the government condemned what it described as violence carried out by "a few fringe elements" aside protests over the killing of July warrior Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi.
The interim administration of Prof Muhammad Yunus, urges the public to denounce hatred and incitement in the name of honouring the memory of Shaheed Hadi, a key figure in the July mass uprising who was killed in a daylight gun attack launched earlier this month.
"We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of property," the statement reads.
"This is a critical moment in our nation's history when we are making a historic democratic transition. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those who thrive on chaos and reject peace," the government reminds, calling the shots after the spells of violence.
The government has framed the forthcoming national elections and a planned referendum as more than routine political events, calling them a "solemn national commitment" tied to the sacrifices made during the uprising.
It notes that honouring Hadi's legacy requires restraint, responsibility and an unambiguous rejection of violence.
The statement also condemns the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, describing the killing as a "heinous crime" that has no room in a "new Bangladesh" emerging out of the changeover.
The government pledges that those responsible would be brought to justice, amid growing concern among rights groups over what they call communal attacks and mob violence in recent months.
Particular emphasis has been placed on the safety of journalists following a violent attack on the offices of two of the country's leading newspapers--Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. "Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself," the government says, expressing solidarity with the media and promising accountability for those responsible.
Concluding its statement, the government renews its appeal to citizens to resist violence in all its forms. "At this critical hour," it says, "we call upon every citizen to honour Shaheed Hadi by rejecting and resisting violence, incitement and hatred."
Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus Friday telephoned the editors of both papers--Prothom Alo's Matiur Rahman and The Daily Star's Mahfuz Anam--to express sympathy and assure them of government's support.
"This unwanted and despicable attack on your institutions and journalists has deeply pained me," Yunus said during the calls, according to an official account. "The government stands by you in this difficult time."
Yunus describes the assault on the two news organisations as an attack on independent media itself, warning that such incidents pose a serious obstacle to democratic progress and free journalism in Bangladesh.
He assures the editors of full security and other necessary assistance, saying that he intends to meet them in person soon.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
