Fascist terrorists' attempts to destabilise country will be thwarted; govt taking Hadi attack seriously: CA
Yunus said the incident was not merely an assault on an individual but an attack on Bangladesh's very existence and its democratic path.
Malicious attempts by "defeated fascist terrorists" to destabilise the country will be completely thwarted, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has warned, asserting that the interim government will ensure justice for the gun attack on Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
In his Victory Day address to the nation today (16 December), Yunus said, "I want to state clearly that these subversive attempts by defeated fascist terrorists will be entirely defeated. No one can stop the democratic progress of this country through fear, terror or bloodshed."
Referring to the attack on Hadi, an aspiring Dhaka-8 candidate for the upcoming national election, Yunus said the incident was not merely an assault on an individual but an attack on Bangladesh's very existence and its democratic path.
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"Sharif Osman Hadi is currently in critical condition and undergoing treatment. The government has taken all necessary measures to ensure his treatment and security. He has already been sent to Singapore for advanced medical care," he said, urging citizens to pray for Hadi's recovery.
The chief adviser said the government was treating the incident with utmost seriousness and that those involved had been preliminarily identified.
"I want to assure the people of the country that no one involved in this conspiracy will be spared, wherever they may be," he added.
Calling for restraint, Yunus urged people not to fall victim to misinformation or rumours.
'Fascist forces won't be allowed to return'
The chief adviser said the defeated fascist forces would never be allowed to return to the country's soil.
"We will remain united to confront the fascist terrorists who are trying to create instability. We will not fall into their trap. The defeated fascist forces will never again return to the sacred soil of this country," he said.
Yunus issued an impassioned appeal to the nation, calling for the protection of the country's youth as essential to safeguarding both the people and the motherland.
"Those who have fled the country now realise that young activists stand as the greatest barrier to their return," he said.
Describing the youth as unarmed, fearless and driven by selflessness, Yunus said these young people have become a source of fear for forces seeking to regain power.
"Their objective is to remove this obstacle ahead of the elections in order to re-establish their rule, taking advantage of the brief window of opportunity before public support fades," he added.
He warned that the desperation of the fascist force to return has led to increasingly dangerous tactics, citing the recent assassination attempt on Osman Hadi as one such example, and cautioned that more complex plots may be in the making.
Calling on citizens to speak out, Yunus urged everyone to stand united in protecting the youth and to break free from what he termed the "slavery of the old era."
He urged all to keep the country free from violence and conflict.
'Decide nation's future thru polls, referendum'
The chief adviser said the country must assert its full sovereignty through festive, peaceful elections.
With just two months remaining before the polls, Yunus called for vigilance and optimism, saying every remaining day should be marked by unity and celebration.
He added that the fearlessness of teenagers and young people would help keep the pre-election period vibrant and hopeful.
He urged the countrymen to actively participate in the upcoming national election and referendum, saying that these polls will decide the character, structure and direction of progress of the new Bangladesh.
"This election and referendum is a historic moment in determining the future roadmap for Bangladesh. The kind of state we expect will depend on the results of the referendum. This vote will determine the character, structure, and direction of progress of the new Bangladesh," he said.
Noting that the government has issued the July National Charter order to ensure fundamental constitutional reforms initiated by the interim government, he said, "Now it is time to seek the citizens' approval to implement the July National Charter".
"Through this referendum, you should express your opinion for or against the reforms by casting a 'Yes' or 'No' vote," he added.
Stressing that the government wants the election to be truly festive, participatory, peaceful and above all fair, he said, "We are considering every step centering the election with great importance, including security, administrative preparation, technical assistance and observation".
Urging the people not to view voting as a mere formality of stamping a piece of paper, the chief adviser said, "The ownership of the country lies in your hands, and your vote is the signature of that ownership."
He also urged voters to resist any obstruction in a disciplined manner with the help of law enforcement agencies.
Emphasising that the role of political leadership in preserving the acceptability and sanctity of this election is immense, Prof Yunus urged all political leaders to see each other as competitors, never as enemies.
"Create such a fair, acceptable and peaceful environment for the election, so that the people of the country become more confident in the democratic process," he said, warning that those who will loot ballot boxes are "destroyers of people's freedom and enemies of citizens".
Highlighting the expatriate Bangladeshis' role in the July Uprising and the government initiative to enable them to cast vote this time, the chief adviser said that millions of expatriates are going to vote via postal ballot for the first time.
The chief adviser in his speech also talked about former prime minister Khaleda Zia's illness, describing her as "an inseparable part of an important chapter in Bangladesh's history." He highlighted her unwavering commitment to Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and democracy, her contributions to national development, and the respectful sentiments of the people toward her.
The chief adviser said the interim government has been giving the issue of her treatment the highest importance from the very beginning.
