Shadow of fascism still haunts Bangladesh: Adviser Adilur

DU CORRESPONDENT
Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has said that although fascism has been defeated in Bangladesh, its shadow still occasionally returns here.
Mr Adilur Rahman urged citizens from all walks of life, regardless of political belief or opinion, to stay united in building a new and just Bangladesh.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Disappearance: The Worst Tool of Fascist Rule" held at the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall Auditorium of Dhaka University on Saturday (October 25) morning.
The event was jointly organised by the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and Prachhad Prakashan, marking the unveiling of the book "Ainagharer Sakkshi: Gum Jiboner Aat Baar", written by Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman.
Adilur Rahman Khan said, "The month of July changed Bangladesh in just thirty-six days. The fascist regime fell through the sacrifices of hundreds of martyrs and the courage of the wounded. Today, Bangladesh stands at a new beginning."
He added that those who were once victims of enforced disappearance can now speak freely. "We didn't know where they were because the fascist regime had imprisoned the whole nation. But now, Bangladesh has come out of the darkness of extrajudicial killings and oppression. The process of justice has begun, and injustice will not last," he said.
The adviser also highlighted the importance of the July National Charter and the July Declaration, saying, "The interim government is committed to making state reforms and building a new Bangladesh based on these historic documents. Although fascism has been defeated, it keeps trying to return. Our unity is the strongest weapon against it."
Speaking at the event, Abu Shadik Kayem, vice president of DUCSU, said,"Murderer Hasina and her associates have no right to do politics in Bangladesh. Wherever they are, they must face justice."
He further said, "Just as Nazi politics is banned in Germany and Mussolini's ideology in Italy, fascist politics has no place in Bangladesh. Those involved in enforced disappearances, killings, and state terrorism must be tried under the International Crimes Tribunal."
Sanjida Islam Tuli, one of the organisers of the anti-disappearance movement Mayer Dak, said the book "Ainagharer Sakkshi" is not just a memoir, it is a living testimony to one of the darkest periods in Bangladesh's history.
"It tells the stories of people who were taken away for having different opinions during the Awami fascist rule. The world should know how people disappeared simply for speaking their minds. If we remain united, justice will surely come," she said.
Author Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman, who himself was a victim of enforced disappearance, said, "We must not lose hope. I still believe in a Bangladesh that is fair, humane, and constitutional, where no one will suffer from injustice and the culture of impunity will finally end."
armanhossen7971@gmail.com