Govt urges all to resist any forms of mob violence by fringe elements

The government on Friday, December 19, urged all the people of Bangladesh to resist all forms of mob violence committed by a 'few fringe elements'.

"We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties," said the interim government in a statement.

The government said this is a critical moment in the nation’s history when they are making a historic democratic transition.

At this critical hour, the government called upon every citizen to honour Sharif Osman Hadi, who died on Thursday, December 18, after being injured in a gun attack in Dhaka recently, by rejecting and resisting violence, incitement and hatred.

"We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those few who thrive on chaos and reject peace," the statement reads.

The upcoming elections and referendum are not merely political exercises, the government said.

"They are a solemn national commitment. This promise is inseparable from the dream for which Saheed Sharif Osman Hadi gave his life. Honouring his sacrifice and memory demands restraint, responsibility, and abiding commitment to reject hatred," the statement says.

"To the journalists of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age: we stand with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured. The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terror. Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. We promise you full justice," the government said.

The government said it wholeheartedly condemns the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh.

"There is no space for such violence in the new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared," it said.

Source: UNB