Half the country lives in fear for their safety: GM Quader

Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman Golam Mohammad Quader has claimed that more than half of the country's population lives in fear, urging the government to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens, including minority communities.

Speaking at the party's central office in Dhaka during a Janmashtami greeting event with members of the Hindu community today, Quader said a society cannot be considered civil if minorities feel insecure. 

"We want a society without divisions, where every citizen feels they own the country and can contribute to building it together," said GM Quader.

Quader criticised the government for allegedly releasing convicted criminals while detaining innocent people. He said false cases have been filed against those opposed to the government, leaving victims unable to secure bail. 

"Many were implicated after the July killings in fabricated cases, but they are not granted justice," he added.

He also alleged corruption among government advisers, citing a retired secretary's claim that at least eight advisers had amassed significant wealth through promotions, postings, and other channels. 

"Even honest advisers can't escape responsibility if corruption is rampant in their departments," Quader said, adding that the country has effectively become a "realm of corruption" with little visible action.

He warned that attacks and intimidation against the Hindu community continue, often linked to political affiliations. He urged minorities to unite, exercise their rights, and warned the government against creating fear through targeted repression. 

He also reaffirmed the JaPa's support for justified movements and struggles by minority communities.

He praised the late president Hussain Mohammad Ershad for promoting secular policies and protecting minorities from discrimination in employment and social life, contrasting it with what he described as the current government's failure to maintain law and order.

In response to a question, Quader said internal party conflicts and attempts to form splinter groups backed by the government would not succeed. "Our party remains united, and registration with the Election Commission confirms our legitimacy," he added.

Earlier in the day, Quader met with a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) at a Banani hotel. The delegation included Asia Pacific Director Stephen Cima, Deputy Director Matthew Carter and Senior Program Manager Amitabh Ghosh.