No leniency for acts of treason: Asif Mahmud
“The government will also ensure that no community is deprived or targeted simply because of their religious identity," says the adviser
Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan today (26 November) emphasised that individuals involved in acts of treason will face strict legal action regardless of their identity or affiliation.
Talking to reporters in Rangpur's Pirgacha, he addressed the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote and principal of Hathazari's Pundarik Dham in Chattogram.
"Attempts are being made to destabilise the situation over yesterday's arrest [of Chinmoy]. Let me be clear — anyone connected to treason, irrespective of their community or identity, will not be spared. Law enforcement will act in the interest of national security, not communal considerations," he said.
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"Any attack on the state's independence or acts of treason will be met with firm action. The government will also ensure that no community is deprived or targeted simply because of their religious identity," Asif stressed.
Yesterday (25 November), Chinmoy was arrested by police from Dhaka airport. He is accused in a sedition case for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag by hoisting a saffron flag above it at a rally organised by the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha in Chattogram city on 25 October.
Eighteen others were also accused in the case filed by BNP leader Firoz Khan, who was subsequently expelled from the party, soon after the event.
This morning, Chinmoy was presented before a Chattogram court, which denied his bail plea and sent him to jail.
Adviser Asif further alleged that attempts were made recently to create unrest under the guise of financial schemes.
Yesterday, an attempt was made to create an unstable environment in Dhaka by bringing in innocent people from remote areas. He said they were falsely promised interest-free loans ranging from Tk1 lakh to Tk1 crore if they paid Tk1,000 and came to attend a rally.
"Efforts of law enforcement and students dismissed that plot. We will respond appropriately against such conspiracies in the future," he told reporters, noting that the organisers of the alleged plot, two coordinators of Ahingsa Ganaavyuthan Bangladesh, were in police custody and facing interrogation.
On the issue of local government reform, Asif said, "Union parishad chairmen will remain in their positions until alternatives are created. These structures are essential for providing various civic services. Decisions regarding their replacement will be taken after developing appropriate alternatives."
Earlier in the day, the adviser arrived in Pirgacha by helicopter and attended a winter clothing distribution event for the underprivileged at Paotana Hat College field.
During his speech, he called for the nation to honour the sacrifices of those who lost their lives or were injured during the July-August uprising, promising compensation of Tk30 lakh for each martyr's family in line with the interim government's decision.
"We will ensure lifelong support for the families of martyrs and the injured, including employment opportunities," he said.
He also committed to ensuring equitable development across the northern districts, including Rangpur, to eliminate economic disparity.
