Resist all mob violence, govt urges people

The interim government today (19 December) urged all citizens of Bangladesh to resist and reject all forms of mob violence, saying recent incidents of arson, intimidation and destruction of property were being carried out by a few fringe elements seeking to create chaos.

In a statement, the government said it "strongly and unequivocally" condemns all acts of violence, intimidation, arson and vandalism, describing the situation as a critical moment in the country's history as it moves through a historic democratic transition.

"We cannot and must not allow this transition to be derailed by those who thrive on chaos and reject peace," the statement said, adding that mob violence poses a direct threat to national stability and democratic progress.

Referring to the upcoming elections and referendum, the government said these were not merely political exercises but a "solemn national commitment," inseparable from the ideals and sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy.

The statement reads, "This promise is inseparable from the dream for which Saheed Sharif Osman Hadi. Honouring his sacrifice and memory demands restraint, responsibility, and abiding commitment to reject hatred."

The government also expressed solidarity with journalists of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age affected by recent attacks.

"The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terror," the statement said, promising full justice for those responsible for targeting journalists and media institutions.

Condemning another incident of mob violence, the government said there is "no space for such brutality in a new Bangladesh," referring to the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. It vowed that the perpetrators of what it called a heinous crime would not be spared.

At this critical juncture, the government called on all citizens to honour the memory of Saheed Hadi by rejecting and resisting violence, incitement and hatred, and by upholding peace and the rule of law.

Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus spoke to the editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star over phone, following the massive vandalism and arson attack on their offices.

Speaking to Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam, Muhammad Yunus expressed said, "I am profoundly pained by this unwarranted and deplorable attack on your organisations and journalists. The government stands with you in this difficult time." He said the attack on the country's two leading media houses constitutes an attack on independent journalism.

"This incident poses a major obstacle to Bangladesh's democratic progress and the path of free press," he added.